MUSO, MDSWD: No heat prevention programs for informal settlers amid extreme heat

May 8, 2024

The Manila City Hall Clock Tower on a Friday afternoon.  (Photo by Hazel Historia/The Manila Warden)

A Manila Urban Settlements Office (MUSO) supervising administrative officer said on Friday, April 26, that there are no heat-related prevention measures for the city’s informal settlers, despite the extreme heat experienced in the country.  

The Philippines has experienced a record-high heat index in the recent weeks, ranging from 42°C to 51°C, which was classified as "dangerous," by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).  

Although there are no existing heat prevention programs, MUSO has yet to propose initiatives to protect and prepare informal settlers for the hot weather and reduce the effects of heat.  

“Prevention and mitigation, orientation sa mga tenant namin sa mga condominiums namin. So ‘yun ‘yung aming proposal ngayon na i-coconduct namin ng project para sa safety nila,” Victor Michael Beso, supervising administrative officer said.  

Beso added that the settlers felt the impact of the heat in their relocation condominiums, citing challenges like water shortage.   

“Actually, ‘yung condominium namin, one and two, nakaka-experience ng shortage ng water supply. Mahina ‘yung supply ng Maynilad ngayon. Nangyayari talaga ‘yan during ganitong tag-araw,” said Beso.  

“Nagkakaroon in the morning; usually, gabi siya bumabalik pero mahina pa rin. So, kaya, nag-iipon naman sila ng tubig and then nagpapadala ng bumbero para mag-supply ng tubig,” he added. 

According to Beso, MUSO focuses more on the relocation and housing initiatives for informal settlers, who are mostly relocated to places outside Metro Manila, including Naic, Cavite and Bulacan.   

Gregorio Daing, a Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) representative, said that relocations undergo a thorough process, particularly abiding with the “T.A.M.A. L.A.N.G.” policy. 

The acronym stands for thirty days of notice, adequate relocation, mandated personnel ID, adequate consultation, local government unit presence, appropriate uniform for PNP, no heavy equipment, and good weather conditions. 

Amid Manila City's recent high heat index records, Daing said that demolitions were only postponed due to typhoons and not due to the hot weather. 

However, Daing also added that the MDSWD has no current heat protection program for the informal settlers as it focuses more on census, validation, and material assistance for the affected families. 

According to MUSO, the districts of Baseco, Parola, and Tondo are the most occupied by informal sectors at present. 

- Hazel Francine Historia & Jauzen Joen Juan