Looking at these pictures one thinks of common living conditions in the Philippines. And yes, the image of squatting comes to mind. But this residential compound in Dumaguete is different. Our member of the NACSEARelief  Board of Trustees, retired minister in the NAC, Sigfried Catan, build a humble social housing complex of 37 units for a same number of families, providing water and electricity. Tenants are migrants from rural  mountain areas who found work in the City and for a very cheap monthly rent they get a safe place with simple infrastructure which they quickly fill up with their belongings.  Plans for upgrade are in the making. 

The Catan Family could have done like many others in their neighborhood. Sell the land to investors for lucrative  projects beyond the means of the poor. Charity, doing good does not necesseraly start with a dole out but with the right system giving people a sense of independence and self Realisation.