The children living in informal settlements have higher risks of getting infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other life-threatening diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid fever because of their lack of access to safe water and sanitation.

This was the message of child's rights group Save the Children in observance of World Habitat Day on October 5. Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, said that it is every child’s right to have physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development.

However, poverty often gets in the way of development. Children in informal settlements not only suffer from increased exposure to diseases, but also to psychological distress, physical abuse, and violence. More often than not, these children fall to the trap of street gangs and become children in conflict with the law.

Muyot stressed that children need to be given adequate housing in order to help with their development.

The issue of inadequate housing is compounded by the upcoming typhoon season and La Nina, which would bring about flooding. Muyot is concerned that children and their families would be exposed to all water-related vector-borne diseases. 

"Children and their families who live in informal settlements face injury, loss of life and belongings during extreme weather events such as typhoons, storm surges, and massive flooding," he said.

In 2011, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported that there are some 1.5 million informal settler families. From that number, 767,500 are living in high-risk areas such as esteros, along railroads tracks, garbage dumps, riverbanks, and waterways.

Despite their situation, Muyot is saddened that the government is still conducting the demolition of informal settlements. In Pasay City, 120 families were evicted from their homes on March 12 - -just days before the enhanced community quarantine was imposed. These families were left to roam the streets in search of a new home despite the threat of COVID-19.

Muyot pleaded with the government to stop the demolition of informal settlements unless the families are in high-risk areas.

At the same time, Save the Children Philippines is giving its full support for the enactment of Senate Bill 1081, otherwise known as the Just and Humane Resettlement Act (JAHRA) and the proposed Least Displacement of Informal Settler Families Act (LISA).