Community Settlement
Also known as: Residential subdivision · Housing settlement · Suburban housing project · Barangay settlement · Human settlement
Definition
A Community Settlement (commonly referring to a residential subdivision, housing project, or barangay settlement area) is a planned or organic cluster of housing units in the Philippines. Regulated under Presidential Decree No. 957 (Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree) and Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 (Socialized Housing Standards), these settlements must comply with local zoning laws, road width specifications, drainage provisions, and environmental permits to ensure a safe living environment. (Official Gazette)
Identities
| Source Type | Identity |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Settlement |
| Wikidata | Q486972 |
| DBpedia | Human_settlement |
| ProductOntology | N/A |
| Wiktionary | settlement |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) | Human settlements — Planning — Philippines |
| MeSH | N/A |
| NCBI Taxonomy | N/A |
| AGROVOC | N/A |
| Google Scholar | community settlement subdivision housing PD 957 BP 220 Philippines |
| ConceptNet | settlement |
| OpenCyc | N/A |
Also Known As
- Residential subdivision
- Housing settlement
- Suburban housing project
- Barangay settlement
- Human settlement
Examples and Analogies
- Socialized Housing Project: A BP 220-compliant community settlement built by a developer to house low-income families, featuring basic electricity and shared water connections. (Official Gazette)
- Master-Planned Subdivision: A gated community settlement featuring landscaped roads, a central clubhouse, and strict property association rules under DHSUD guidelines.
Usage Scenarios
1. Subdivision Development Approval
A developer submits subdivision plans to the local zoning board and DHSUD to secure a License to Sell for a new community settlement. (Official Gazette)
2. Informal Settler Relocation
A city government plans a relocation program, building a new community settlement complete with schools and health clinics.
Strategies
- Check the developer’s DHSUD License to Sell before buying property inside any new community settlement to avoid scams.
- Research local subdivision bylaws and homeowners’ association (HOA) rules regarding property modifications and pets.
- Verify that the settlement’s drainage and road layouts comply with BP 220 or PD 957 metrics.
Security and Safety Measures
- Do not build homes on land prone to active landslide risks or within volcanic danger zones.
- Ensure all structural foundations comply with the seismic safety specifications of the National Structural Code of the Philippines.
- Verify the presence of active fire hydrants and emergency access routes within the community settlement.
Historical Context
Early community settlements in the Philippines developed organically around Spanish plazas (bajo de la campana). Rapid urbanization in the late 20th century led to unplanned settlements and housing deficits. To regulate development and protect buyers, the government enacted Presidential Decree No. 957 in 1976 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 in 1982, establishing the modern technical standards for socialized and commercial community settlements. (Official Gazette)
Challenges and Controversies
Informal Settler Encroachments
Cities struggle with unregulated settlements on public danger zones (riverbanks and railway easements), requiring complex relocation efforts.
Lack of Utilities
Some low-cost community settlements are built without adequate water supply and electricity, leaving buyers stranded.
Related Topic
- Subdivision Developer
- Zoning Ordinance
- National Building Code (PD 1096) of the Philippines
- HLURB