Cainta relocates creekside settlers to safer homes

The local government of Cainta, Rizal has relocated informal settler families living along a creek to a safer area where they can eventually own their homes after several years.

Mayor Keith Nieto said the families, who have lived along the ROTC Hunters creekside for decades, are being transferred to reduce their vulnerability to flooding during typhoons.

"They have been living here for decades. They are now leaving the ROTC Hunters creekside. They are moving to a safer location where they are no longer at risk of being swept away by floodwaters during typhoons," Nieto said.

According to the mayor, most of the families opted for self-demolition, while others were relocated through dialogue and coordination with the local government.

"We promised that the local government of Cainta is always here to support and assist them," Nieto said.

Nieto said the municipal government purchased a parcel of land within Cainta to accommodate the relocated families.

"Only three kilometers away from the creeks—still in Cainta. They will pay for this within 25 years and no interest," he said.

The mayor added that the relocation is part of a broader effort to restore waterways and prevent future encroachments.

"Gradually, we will restore the areas that have encroached upon our creeks and to properly settle the people who have chosen to live here for a very long time," the local chief executive said.