Condition of Core Shelter Resettlement in an Agricultural Area in Mountain Province, Philippines

Abstract

A huge part of Otucan, Bauko, Mountain Province, Philippines was declared by the Mines
and Geosciences Bureau in 2011 as not fit for human settlement due to dangers of mass movement.
Resettlement was established at Kalimbatawa, Otucan in 2013 but four years after, the area is partially
inhabited. This study aimed to determine the soil condition and engineering issues of the resettlement area
and verify the conformity of the core shelters to the specifications prescribed by the Department of Social
Welfare and Development. The researchers gathered soil samples and subjected such to engineering
methods of determining soil classification and moisture content; noted engineering issues; and measured
the dimensions of the 355 core shelters. The soil is classified as silty-clay, a poor foundation for structures.
Its moisture content is 59.69% which is higher than the 15% maximum moisture content for foundations
in order for structures to be stable. There are observed cracks on walls, floors and columns and only 15%
of the core shelters are occupied. The sizes of the core shelter units vary from 20.16 m2
to 26 m2 which
do not conform to the prescribed 20 m2
size. This study can be used for policy development on
resettlement.