University of Mindanao Assisted Resettlement: A Best Practice in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Re-establishing a community-place relationship in a new environment is not easy. First of all, its success has to rely on the determination of the resettlers and external support from the government, academe and other welfare agencies. This study came about to describe the experiences, social support mechanisms and life changes of families resettled to Lubo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Philippines in 2004. This study is a qualitative-phenomenological type of research conducted from May to August, 2009. A Focus Group Discussion was conducted for the participants to relate their experiences about resettlement and the key informants’ interviews were done for the collateral information. All participants expressed the difficult experience due to poor site selection, hasty decision and lack of consultation among members of the Bugac Maa Urban Poor Settlers Association (BUMUPSAI). Of the 58 resettlement beneficiaries, 18 remained in the site while others returned to Maa for economic reasons. The University of Mindanao and other agencies provided assistance during the relocation. The host community, especially the municipal government of Sta. Cruz, formally accepted them. Since then, the BUMUPSAI has had a regular representative in the Lubo Community Development Council while the municipal government of Sta. Cruz promised to provide the BUMUPSAI basic infrastructures and services needed.