Private Story
Philippines, Slums
While squatting is considered illegal in the Philippines, slum dwellers perceive themselves as legal citizens awaiting housing placement, as the government has made promises to address this issue. Furthermore, the length of stay in these areas and the improvements made by these residents raise the question of land ownership. Most slum dwellers have spent their lives in these localities and their households are now "owned" by second and third generation family members. As they don't officially own the land, demolition and eviction is a constant threat.
The following photographs illustrate some of the slums in Metro Manila.
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