Canal de la Reina C OMM UNITY OR G. Samahan ng Maralita ng Canal de la Reina MUNIC IPALIT Y City of Manila EST ABLISHE D 1980 (approx.) P OP ULAT ION 250 households The third in-city community visited is located on the banks of Canal de la Reina, an estero (tributary) of the Pasig River in Barangays 8 and 9 of the City of Manila. Community members have been residing in the area since the 1970s, but had constructed their dwellings in an adjacent private block, which at the time was a sawmill where community members obtained regular employment. Respondents reported that the owner of the sawmill gave permission for employees to construct informal housing on the site. The sawmill ceased operation sometime during the late 1980s, but community members maintained their residence in the surrounding area, which continued to be held under private ownership. At no stage during this period were residents advised that they must vacate the premises and the settlement continued in its original location until 2011. During the period prior to 2011, respondents remarked that they had a good relationship with the Chair of their local Barangay (council) who was always supportive of their cause and residence in the local area. It was reported that a portion of the property was being used for car parking, payment for which was being collected by the Barangay Chair. In approximately June 2011 the community members learned from the Manila City Government that they were going to be evicted; however, no formal consultations took place during this period. The community was only advised informally that the owner intended to sell the property to a property developer. At the instigation of the Barangay Chair, the community undertook mediation at the CHR with the landowner to determine a suitable outcome. The initial offer from the landowner was a cash compensation payment of PHP10,000 to be made to each affected household in the community. Community members reported that they were excluded from further subsequent negotiations, which occurred between the landowner and the Barangay Chair. The community was then offered resettlement at a distant relocation site in Pandi, Bulacan under the Community Mortgage Programme. Residents did not wish to 75