Profile of illegal settlers of Locsin Avenue, Iloilo City

Abstract

This study investigated the demographic profile of illegal settlers of Locsin Avenue, Iloilo City. It also investigated their livelihood profile. A one shot survey was used in conducting the research. The questionnaire was composed of two parts: Part I asked about their personal data while Part II asked about their livelihood, nature of their work, financial assistance received, and income. The respondents are 54 breadwinners, who were actually present at the time of the survey and were willing to participate. The findings revealed that majority of the breadwinners are males, belonging to the age bracket 40 to 49 years old. They are generally married, Roman Catholics and college graduates. This survey shows that the majority of the breadwinners are drivers, with a monthly income of Php 4,000 to Php 8, 999, do not receive financial assistance from the government, have resided in Locsin Avenue for 26-30 years and live in light-material houses. Regarding their family size and unit, majority of them are in nuclear families. Concerning the use of language, most of them have little learning and understanding of the English language. The study shows that the breadwinners from Locsin Avenue are dominated by males who are capable of supporting the needs for their respective households for many years. However, it is apparent from these families that there are no changes or improvements in their standard of living. Although they receive assistance from the government they are still poor based on the survey that the majority of their estimated monthly income ranges from Php 4,000 to Php 8,999 only. The current study validates the ineffectiveness of the government assistance to combat poverty in some Philippine community. The study also shows that a college degree cannot improve their quality of life, nor is their environment a hindrance to their pursuit of education.