Once a child growing up in an informal-settler community in Tondo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso is now pursuing a long-term plan aimed at reducing—and eventually eliminating—informal settlements in the capital through expanded in-city vertical housing.
Domagoso has often spoken about his difficult childhood in Manila, recalling how his family lived in Parola and moved from one rented home to another when money ran short. He has also shared how, as a boy, he collected old newspapers, bottles and other discarded items that could be sold to help his family get by.
Decades later, his administration is seeking to build a housing system that would allow more low-income families to secure permanent homes without having to leave Manila.
On September 16, Domagoso and Land Bank of the Philippines Vice President and Chief Trust Officer Atty. Mario Sabino Jr. signed an agreement allowing the city government to invest around ₱50 million in available funds from the Manila Urban Settlements Office Housing Trust Fund through LandBank.
The money was generated from mandatory monthly contributions made by beneficiaries of Manila’s existing in-city vertical housing projects.
Instead of leaving the available funds idle, the city plans to invest them to help generate additional resources that can be used to sustain and expand future housing developments.
“This is the start of the long journey of the in-city’s vertical housing,” Domagoso said.
The mayor said the broader goal is to give families living in informal settlements, as well as long-time renters, a realistic opportunity to own a home within Manila.
“Darating ang araw na mauubos at mauubos ang squatter sa Maynila at mabibigyan ng tsansa ang mga nangungupahan na magkaroon ng sarili nilang bahay,” Domagoso said in a September 16 post.
Under Resolution No. 598, Series of 2026, the City Housing Investment Committee was authorized to negotiate with LandBank for the investment of available resources from the housing trust fund.
The arrangement is intended to create a continuing source of financing for Manila’s housing program, with contributions from current beneficiaries helping support future homes for other families still waiting for the same opportunity.
