Cities tackle in-migrants

Addressing both in-migration and international migration and harnessing the opportunities it can give to the city remain a challenge not just to the LGUs but to all its stakeholders.

In November- December 2008, three big cities conference sessions were held in Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga cities to address migration issues. IDEALS spearheaded the project. Other partners include the Ateneo School of Government, Asian Institute of Management, and the League of Cities of the Philippines.

After the visit of Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands on June 04, 2008 in Manila, the conference organizers felt to have an in-depth regional multi-stakeholders’ consultations to get a clearer picture of migration challenges at the local level and sought local solutions.

During the pre-consultation workshops, it was learned in Baguio that the city registered an uptrend of rural-to-urban migration in the last five decades. This has posed several development challenges to the former American resort city which was originally designed for only 30,000 people. The city has now an estimated 300,000 people. Pre-conference organizers also clamored to have an integrated and coordinated response to provide delivery of basic services.

Meanwhile, in Cagayan De Oro (CDO) city, displaced people move closer to city due to armed conflict from the neighboring provinces. CDO stakeholders were alarmed in the presence of foreigners who may exploit the residents in terms of health and security (vice migration). In Zamboanga, the city government receives the “halaws” (forced repatriates from Sabah) at an alarming rate.

Conference Proper

On November 20, 2008, participants in the CDO Conference reaffirmed the need for migration issues to mainstream migration issues in the development processes particularly in the peace-building initiatives. In its Call to Action statement, participants also expressed the growing concern of exploitative migration and called all levels of society to strengthen the sense of community action.

On December 11, 2008 in Zamboanga city, the local government unit presented several social integration programs that have already been put in place to address the halaws’ plight. The Conference also recognized that the halaws are draining the city’s resources since most of them still desire to go back to Sabah. However, the city recognizes their potentials and hopes that they can become productive Zamboangueños.

Zamboanga participants called on to raise the media awareness and research to further address policy issues. As of September 2008, 12,000 deportees have been recorded in the city.  

In Baguio, participants have called to sustain the conference and enhanced more talks on inter-local cooperation. The conference participants explored the idea of the BLIST Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, and Tuba) concept which could answer the integration of services of Baguio city and its neighboring municipalities.(

Moving Forward

Following the conference sessions, the organizers will document the proceedings and help surface local migration practices and program. The publication of a case resource book of the proceedings will help transfer knowledge and aid other LGUs in developing their own migration-related programs and projects.