Assessing the feasibility of resettlement as a climate change adaptation strategy for informal settlements in Metro Manila, Philippines

The existing resettlement infrastructure for informal settlements in Manila, Philippines provide an opportunity to facilitate future climate change adaptation in the city. This research assesses the feasibility of using resettlement as climate change adaptation (CCA) in Manila using the 5 Principles for climate-related resettlement developed by Tadgell, Doberstein and Mortsch (2017 forthcoming). Data from key informant interviews (n=27) with resettlement, CCA, and DRR professionals, addresses the topic in three phases. First, it investigates the role of resettlement in existing CCA and DRR projects to understand if movement from environmental hazards is already occurring. Next, the research gathers interviewee perspectives on the applicability of the 5 Principles in relation to Manila's existing resettlement landscape, and identifies any amendments or foreseen challenges to them. Finally, it explores the perceptions of resettlement, DRR, and CCA actors on the feasibility of employing resettlement as CCA in Manila, including any challenges that may impede the strategy. The findings suggest that existing resettlement infrastructure could be enhanced to provide effective CCA as identified by the 5 Principles, such as initiatives with in-city relocation sites and vertical housing. Poverty is the greatest challenge to implementing any successful adaptation strategy, including resettlement. Thus, poverty reduction should the foundation of CCA planning for some urban poor communities in Manila.