Daraga, Albay- December, 2025 – In a collaborative effort under the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), students from the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program have co-developed the Local Shelter Plan (LSP) of the Municipality of Daraga, Albay, covering the period 2026-2035. This initiative is part of UPOU’s Pamayanan Urban Planning Studio, which aims to tackle pressing urbanization problems, such as the housing needs in one of the Philippines’ most hazard-prone areas, overshadowed by the majestic yet volatile Mayon Volcano.

Background & Context

The plan emerges at a crucial time, as Daraga, a first-class municipality in the Bicol Region, grapples with rapid urbanization, population growth, and risks from volcanic hazards such as eruptions, lahars, floods, and landslides. The LSP provides a strategic roadmap to deliver safe, affordable, and disaster-resilient homes, aligning with national priorities like the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program and the Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279). Key findings highlight a pressing need for 10,769 new housing units by 2035: 7,951 to relocate families from danger zones, 520 for informal settlers (many along the Philippine National Railways), and additional units to accommodate population growth: 2,280, from 28,774 households in 2024 to a projected 31,237.

The project’s output include a detailed 125-page LSP document featuring sections like the pertinent data and overviews;  shelter resources and needs; proposed housing programs, projects, and activities; timeline and corresponding financial allocations; and monitoring and evaluation schemes. An informational poster that visually captures the plan’s essence: LGU profile, hazard exposure maps, shelter needs breakdown, affordable housing options, and the cyclical planning process integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA), was also produced.

Hands-On Planning Process

The collaborative process involved a rigorous, participatory methodology:

  • Data gathering from sources like the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
  • Situational analysis of shelter backlog, upgrading needs, affordability, and resources.
  • Setting goals, developing strategies (e.g., land acquisition of over 41 hectares in safe zones), and phased implementation (2026-2028, 2029-2031, 2032-2035).
  • Robust monitoring and evaluation scheme.

Activities featured consultations, stakeholder workshops, site validations, and close coordination with Daraga’s Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO).

Group discussion on urban planning workshop

Courtesy call of UPOU students to the Mayor’s office in Daraga LGU. 

The planning team consisted of DLUP students: Carol Altiche, Rheyza Austria, Jessah Gomez, Jodel Lotivio, Hermon Nuñez, Jeanilyn Siron. They received guidance and mentorship from their Primary Faculty-in-Charge, Prof. Beverly Abad, Enp.

Alignment with Global Goals

The LSP directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By promoting inclusive, safe, and resilient settlements.
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Through climate-adaptive designs and relocation from vulnerable areas.
  • SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Via affordable options tailored to low-income groups and vulnerable families.

Key Achievements

Notable milestones include integrating Mayon-specific hazards into planning, proposing income-matched housing prototypes (e.g., row houses, economic/socialized condominium units), and building LGU capacity for future implementation, including recommendations for a dedicated Local Housing Board. Socialized row house project in the Philippines, mirroring the affordable, resilient housing models proposed for Daraga residents. This partnership demonstrates how academic expertise can empower local governments to create impactful, community-centered plans.

Written by: Hermon Nuñez, with contributions from the DLUP Program Planning Team • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

No event found!