Urbanization and the Slum Dwellers’ “Right to the City”: The Case of Pag-Asa, Olongapo City, Philippines

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Olongapo city is a unique case because it is the most urbanized city in Central Luzon. Additionally, the former United States Naval Base is located in Olongapo City. This study will argue that more than just areas of ‘unsafe housing, cramped space, disease, vice and poverty’, these communities, like Pag-asa are areas of resistance of the underprivileged, the disadvantaged and the marginalized groups against the government’s denial of their right to the city.
Methods/Statistical analysis: This study is a qualitative research which utilized a descriptive case study design to have an in depth understanding on the everyday struggle of the slum dwellers in the City.
Findings: This study sought to answer how the struggle for the right to the city is manifested in slums by using Pag-asa, Olongapo City as the case study. The resistance mayn't always be in a form of an overt social movement that is why aside from their organization, relocatees who returned to Pag-Asa as well as renters that continue to settle in Pag-Asa despite knowing that the area is in threat of demolition, are also crucial actors of resistance. The proximity to work is the main reason why most of the dwellers refuse to leave the place, more so, it shows that slum dwellers are willing to face everyday risks just to remain in the area. While hopelessness, poverty and blight are uncontentious images involved when talking about slums, it is interesting to note that the slum dwellers in Pag-asa are living harmoniously. The people treat each other as family, hence, it is one of the reasons why despite the relocation site offered by the government, the dwellers prefer to stay in the community.
Improvements/Applications: Based on the fieldworks conducted for this study, other studies aiming to challenge the dominant and marginalizing discourses on the urban poor can also focus on the role of women in resistance movements through using the feminist approach of ‘the personal is the political’. The result of this study may help the government design more inclusive urban policies,  programs that can reflect the interests of both the LGU, dwellers.