POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

BISTEKVILLE II SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROGRAM

A Case Study on Local Housing Projects in the Philippines

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in:

ARCH 3433
Housing and Human Settlements

Prepared by:

Asayas, Brian C.
Huete, Jeremiah R.
Macatdon, John Paul C.
Pelayo, Ma. Kathleen V.

Submitted to:
Ar. Murielle N. Gallardo-Cristobal, uap
Adviser, Housing and Human Settlements

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 Table of Contents

Synopsis/Executive Summary.......................................................................................3

Findings............................................................................................................................8

Discussion......................................................................................................................12

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................14

Recommendations.........................................................................................................14

Implementation..............................................................................................................16

References..................................................................................................................17

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SYNOPSIS/EXECUTIVE SUMMARYMMARY

This case study was presented to identify discrepancies and unmet housing design

standards and guidelines in Bistekville II at Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches Quezon City.

An overview of the project about its information in location, number of target households,

and aspects of shelter design implementation in response to housing backlogs in the

Philippines, addressing problems on relocating informal settlers living along identified

dangerous zones as well as providing affordable housing units for low-income families.

The goal is to identify problems and extract possible strategies and improvement of

housing design considering the rules and regulations stated by the law, strengthening the

approach to shelter design demonstrating design guidelines and standards. This case study

demonstrates a review of the overall planning seeking to provide suggestions on existing

housing in the local context. Through observations, data collected from the implementing

agencies, and graphic documentation through google map photographs of the settlement to

further understand the context of the project.

Bistekville II Housing

project was inaugurated last

October 11, 2013, which is

located at Barangay

Kaligayahan, Novaliches,

Quezon City. It is a socialized

housing in 48, 876 square

meters / 4.8 hectares of land

Figure 1 Proposed site of the housing project

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with a total of 1,133 mixed housing units. Through the partnership of the Quezon City

government with Phinma Properties, the housing project is set to benefit over a thousand

unprivileged including informal settlers’ family – beneficiaries. It is said to be the first in-city

and on-site relocation of informal settler families in the Philippines.

According to Bistekville II City Relocation Program, the qualified beneficiaries are

those Filipinos without house/ those who are renting/ certification of no land property,

residents of Quezon City who are residing along rivers/creeks/esteros, under transmission

lines, affected by infrastructure projects, evicted through a court order, those who can pay

monthly amortization, and a member of Pag-Ibig Fund. The program beneficiaries may avail

of a 400,000-loan package which they will pay in a maximum period of 30 years depending

on the age of the borrower.

Figure 2: Proposed Master Development Plan, Source: Urban Poor Affairs Office

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 Mixed housing units consist of seven-hundred-three (703) one-story with loft units,

six (6) three-story MRBs, with 375 condo units allocated for informal settlers along the

waterways, 42 units of 2-story single attached units, and thirteen (13) units of mixed-use/

commercial. An average unit has a lot area of 28 square meters that can fit five family

members.

Figure 3: Proposed Master Development Plan, Source: lcp.org,ph- Quezon City Socialized Housing Program

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 28 square meter unit

Figure 4: One Storey with loft unit type, Source: lcp.org,ph- Quezon City Socialized Housing Program

23 square meter unit

Figure 5: Three Storey walk up units, Source: PHINMA Properties

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 Figure 6: Two Storey units, Source: Google Maps

Figure 7: Three Storey Mixed Use units, Source: Google Maps

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 Figure 8: Multi-Purpose Hall, Source: Google Maps

The project is an example of socialized housing wherein it adapts cast-in-place

reinforced concrete construction technology that helps to minimize construction time. Each

One Storey with loft unit of was provided with small spaces intended for gardening although

residents used those spaces to extend their houses, and each Two Storey unit was provided

with 1 parking spaces. Gates are located at the both ends of the development to regulate

access within the site and limits vehicular circulation and aims to promote walkability

around the vicinity. Communal spaces were limited and is only suit to accommodate small

neighborhood activities. Units are organized to keep the circulation minimum and limited

only for residents. However, the project location was properly planned as the settlement

was made accessible to various transportations, close to market, and other basic necessities

of the residents.

FINDINGS

Based on the proponents’ analysis of the said housing project, they identified

different problems that arise from the said project. The proponents listed problems and

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issues that were noticed in the formulation of this case study. The existing problems are the

following:

1. Security and safety in terms of availability of walkable pathways

2. Lack of Communal Spaces i.e. recreational open spaces, parks, and

playgrounds

3. Traffic congestion at the main entrance of the subdivision

4. Insufficient parking spaces for each residential type

5. Lack of sustainable strategies for the neighborhood community

I. Security and Safety in terms of availability of walkable pathways

Although the necessary permeability required for the project has been met

minimally, the provisions made were only served the purpose of the vehicular access and

not for the pedestrians and residents living inside. The residents and vehicles share the

same road, resulting in unsafe living for the residents. This can be considered a problem

since housing does not only provide what is needed for a shelter but also make the

residents feel safe and secure within their community.

II. Lack of communal spaces

Upon studying the given site development plan of the project, the proponents

noticed that the communal spaces were limited and were only located on a singular location

inside the site. The problem that may arise in this project is that the sense of community

inside the facility. The housing projects made, as it was stated in the module of this course

subject, is that they should be projects made beyond shelter. In means that the housing

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project must also take into consideration the community that the settlers will hone with

their neighbors for the rest of their stay in their houses.

III. Traffic Congestion on the Main Entrance

The main entrance of the said subdivision has only had two-lane access, one for the

entrance, and the other for the exit. The outsider vehicles such as motorcycle couriers,

delivery trucks, and visitors with a private vehicle, are advised to stop by the in-house guard

for security inspection that causes the traffic congestion at the main entrance of the said

subdivision.

IV. Insufficient Parking Spaces

There are no planned parking lots inside the perimeter of each housing typology.

Hence, the settlers are advised to park in front of each settlement. Supposedly, two lanes

should be used for the right of way for each street but the current problem results in one-

way lane access that causes traffic in each street. Although, there is a provided parking

space in front of the commercial establishments this provision is not sufficient to

accommodate the more than 800 settlers who owned private vehicles.

V. Lack of sustainable strategies for the neighborhood community

The development lacks sustainable strategies when it comes to sun orientation,

ventilation (heat gain) in each unit, and urban gardening.

With the outbreak of the pandemic months ago, the proponents also took into

consideration the different sustainable strategies that may be incorporated into the housing

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project and small vacant open spaces. This includes form transformation of units and

different food production strategies such as urban gardening that may help the community

for a more secure source of resources.

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Figure 9 Existing problems inside the subdivisions, Edited by: Brian Asayas, 2021

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DISCUSSION

To better discuss the major problems identified in the previous sections of this case

study, the proponents provided a matrix that easily shows the problems identified including

the possible solutions for these accompanying problems as well as a discussion on what will

be the pros and cons of these solutions.

Major
Solutions Advantages Disadvantages
Problems

Not all streets in the said This is for the security During the
development have and safety of the settlers development of this
walkable pathways. during the day and night. solution, this may
destroy the settlers in
Although there is The provision of the terms of noise,
Security and
Safety in minimal provision. These vegetation boxes is for pollutants, and traffic
Terms of are not enough for the the reduction of the heat due to road closure and
Availability of security and safety of the gain from the road as construction fences.
Walkable settlers. well as a purpose of
Pathways visual therapy for the
A provision of walkable settlers.
pathways and covered
walkable pathways with The provision of benches
the right location of is for the leisure of each
vegetation box and settler for chatting and
benches. resting.

Redevelopment for the Although the existing During the

existing open space for open space has a multi- redevelopment, it may
recreational and leisure purpose hall, these cause noise and air
activities. proposed courts are can pollution. At the same
Lack of be used as an extended time, it may cause
Communal A provision of covered event-gathering place traffic because the
Spaces basketball, volleyball, for the settlers. existing open space is
and badminton courts located at the minor
for all ages and semi- The proposed park is for road of the said
covered playground for leisure and therapeutic subdivision.
children, and a provision space for the whole
of the park is best for the subdivision because of
redevelopment. its landscaping.
Traffic
Congestion Provision of a Three (3) This reduces the Light traffic may still be

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 lane/gate at the main ingress/egress present at the
entrance. congestion at the proposed Lane 2
gateway of the said (Entrance) for outsider
 Lane 1 (Entrance) subdivision. vehicles due to waiting
- For private and for security
on the Main vehicles This improves the inspection.
Entrance  Lane 2 (Entrance security precaution for
– For outsider the said subdivision.
vehicles
 Lane 3 (Exit) - For
all vehicles
egressing from
the subdivision

Before developing the This reduces congestion Security caution may

project, the best solution in each street. increase inside the
for this problem is to infrastructure.
provide parking lots A two-lane right of way
inside the perimeter of will be now available If smart parking system
Insufficient each housing units and be used for each will be developed in
Parking street. one location only, the
Spaces Unfortunately, settlers are in need to
everything is already Smart parking system walk a long distance
built, but a provision of a Infrastructure saves going to the proposed
vertical on-site parking space and is efficient. infrastructure.
infrastructure maybe
develop in the existing
parking space for the
said subdivision.
Lack of
sustainable If the proponents would The whole subdivision If the redevelopment
strategies for redevelop the plan of will experience would be done for each
the each housing unit, a new sustainable living inside housing unit, the
neighborhood form transformation the subdivision. existing units will
community would be done to make it reduce their numbers.
more sustainable with It will be time-efficient
regards to ventilation. for each settler because If security pre-caution
food is already available will not be prioritized in
For this problem, the inside the said the proposed urban
proponents would like to subdivision. garden spaces, theft
propose the provision of and food shortage
urban garden spaces that would be present.
will be incorporated in
housing projects and
existing small open
spaces, that would
benefit the whole

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 subdivision. These urban
gardens will be in the
form of bamboo urban
farm structures that can
be installed individually
inside their homes as
well as a singular
structure for the whole
community inside the
housing program.

Conclusion

The existing planning development functions well for the needs of the everyday

living of the settlers of the Bistekville II. There are only such minimal problems encountered

inside the said subdivision. Based on the analysis of the proponents, there are problems

associated with the said subdivision that causes inconvenience and disruptions for each

settler. These are security and safety in terms of availability of walkable pathways; lack of

communal spaces i.e. recreational open spaces, parks, and playgrounds; traffic congestion at

the main entrance of the subdivision; insufficient parking spaces for each residential type;

and lack of sustainable strategies for the neighborhood community.

Therefore, these analyzed problems should be prioritized to provide sustainable

living for the settlers, a harmonious relationship between the settlers and the built

environment, and lastly a housing settlement that functions as a catalyst for the future

developments of other proposed gated communities.

Recommendations

In the context of Bistekville II, the analysis of the existing project provides insights on

the necessary minimal progressive development in housing. The experiences in affordable

housing developments of the beneficiaries are more valuable to be addressed and it is

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important to encourage user participation in the process of planning. This section

summarizes the aim to present a view of the current housing situation in Bistekville II and

the recommendations for improvements such as:

I. Security and Safety in terms of the availability of walkable pathways are needed to

accommodate settlers along the streets of the said development. A covered

walkable pathway should be developed in some areas where the sun orients. Aside

from the provision of these walkable pathways, vegetation boxes and benches

should be developed as well, to provide a pleasing environment at the same time to

accommodate settlers to leisure.

II. Communal spaces are very important components, especially in a neighborhood. It

gives the residents a sense of belonging, of being part of a group. That is why the

proponents would like to recommend provisions of communal spaces such as open

parks, playgrounds as well as urban garden spaces so that the neighbors can form a

bond with each other and at the same time have a means of producing their own

food resources inside the subdivision.

III. Traffic Congestion at the Main Entrance is the first problem to be encountered by

private and outsider users. The proposed three-lane/gate should be developed to

reduce this congestion at the main entrance of the said subdivision. Moreover, this

solution is for the best safety and security of all the settlers.

IV. Insufficient Parking Spaces is the problem for each unit owners with private

vehicles. If given a chance for redevelopment of every housing unit, every unit

project should have a minimum 1 parking slots inside each perimeter unit. The home

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 owners should have a regulation of “No parking in the driveway” to prevent

congestions in streets. A smart parking system should be established for future use.

V. Lack of sustainable strategies for the neighborhood community is present in the

neighborhood that causes health issues, inconvenience, and cost inefficiency. The

development lacks sustainable strategies when it comes to sun orientation,

ventilation (heat gain) in each unit, and urban gardening. These problems should be

resolved through redevelopment with form transformation for passive ventilation,

provision of covered walkable pathways, different food production strategies such as

urban gardening that may help the community for a more secure source of resources

as well as, installation of environmental systems that would make the neighborhood

community sustainable.

Implementation

As it was stated earlier in this manuscript, the existing project

was implemented by the local government unit of Quezon

City led by the former QC Mayor Herbert M. Bautista in a

Public-Private partnership with housing institutions through

PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation. The project is a

government undertaking, therefore, the project to be implemented will also be undertaken

by the local government unit of the same city led by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte. The continued

dedication of the government together with PHINMA properties, introducing approaches in

housing design demonstrated by investing into construction and incorporating sustainable

strategies that requires implementation in accordance to standards, guidelines, rules, and

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regulations for housing to ensure that beneficiaries will have the access to essentials in

promoting a better life.

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 References

Asayas, B. C., Asis, A. U., Cabillo, J. D., Estela, J. A., Macatdon, J. C., Mahaguay, A. V., . . .
Tubice, C. S. (2021, February 26). PROPOSED URBAN FARM STRUCTURE AND
COMMUNITY GARDEN Behavioral and Environmental Relevance of Bamboo through
Integrated Architectural. Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines.

Asia Development Bank. (2012). Urban Poor Affairs Office - Quezon City Report. From
https://events.development.asia/system/files/materials/2012/04/201204-plans-and-
programs-quezon-city-philippines.pdf

Business Call to Action. (2014). PHINMA Property Holdings Corporation: Improving the lives
of informal settlers by providing affordable and decent homes. From
https://www.businesscalltoaction.org/sites/default/files/resources/BCtA_casestudy_
Phinma.pdf

Garcia, R. M. (2013, September 21). Model Public-Private Partnership. From

manilastandard.net: https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/124114

League of Cities. (n.d.). Quezon City Socialized Housing Program. Quezon City: lcp.org.ph.
From https://lcp.org.ph/UserFiles/League_of_Cities/file/Presentation_Quezon-City-
Socialized-Housing-Program.pdf

Rhoades, H. (2018, May 8). Gardening Know How. From Allotment Gardens – Learning
About Urban Community Gardening:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/allotment-gardens.htm

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