As part of its commitment to promoting socialized housing for the poor, the La Liga Policy Institute (LLPI) facilitated the resolution of a land dispute between private land owner and informal settlers in Navotas City in 2008, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. Also, the project helps contribute to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly on poverty eradication by 2015, by providing socialized housing to homeless urban settlers, in an in-city resettlement area.

By bringing together local stakeholders – private land owner, informal settlers, community based organization and the local government a mutually beneficial solution was arrived.  Through  research, consultations, workshops and negotiations all stakeholders were able to arrive at an amicable settlement where 75 affected families agreed to: (a) in-city relocation courtesy of the local government socialized housing program; (b) home ownership financed by the private land owner and a national housing agency; (c) home construction assisted by Habitat Philippines; and, (d) community development programs assisted by LLPI.

Through alternative dispute resolution, a partnership initiated and now galvanized.  In this project, all relevant stakeholders were brought together to facilitate joint problem resolution around the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.  The land conflict was resolved without going through the lengthy and costly legal process as well as prevented possible violent confrontation and bloodshed.  The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is widely accepted not only in conflict areas, which is primarily aims to avoid bloodshed but also to come up with peaceful settlement of disputes on land between owners and claimants of rights.

The necessary agreements and policy requirements have secured.  To date construction of the socialized housing site is underway.