The Tenement: a community on the edge of eviction

MANILA, Philippines — In the heart of Taguig, Manila, the Fort Bonifacio Tenement stands as a fading relic of the 1960s. Built under President Diosdado Macapagal as a housing solution for impoverished families, it now teeters on the brink of collapse. Over 1,000 families call this deteriorating structure home, despite decades of eviction threats. Many residents reject relocation to Cavite, where job opportunities and schools remain inaccessible, clinging instead to their livelihoods rooted in Manila.

Political promises have repeatedly failed this community. In 2010, residents were assured by local politicians, including Lani Cayetano, that eviction would cease, yet notices resurfaced in 2014. Today, the tenement remains a battleground between government urban planning failures and a community refusing to abandon its home. This photo gallery captures daily life in the tenement—its resilience, struggles, and the vibrant basketball court uniting the community—amid the ever-present threat of eviction.

The Tenement building reveals a story of overcrowding, poverty, and resilience amidst adversity. The absence of proper urban planning is evident.

The tenement’s exterior shows its age and neglect – walls cracked, windows patched with tarps, and laundry hanging from every balcony. Residents fear losing their homes without meaningful support from urban planning initiatives.

The colorful basketball court, a lifeline for residents, contrasts with the building’s crumbling facade. Adorned with murals of basketball stars, the court represents hope and resilience. Yet, this beloved space may vanish if evictions proceed.

The tenement’s stairwells are marked by graffiti and crumbling plaster, underscoring decades of neglect. Residents face structural dangers daily, yet stay because of the lack of affordable, accessible alternatives.

Declared unsafe by the government in 2010, building symbolizes community’s collective struggle

A young girl walks through a corridor marked by peeling paint and exposed concrete. The looming eviction crisis echoes broken political promises.

A shirtless resident pushes a cart stacked with water containers through the narrow passage, while nearby, youth gather to watch a basketball game in the dimly lit Tenement interior. Most families resist relocation to Cavite, valuing their livelihoods, schools, and deep-rooted community ties in Manila.

Amid the dim glow of a single bulb, residents of the Fort Bonifacio Tenement queue late at night to collect water in plastic containers. These moments highlight the struggles of over a thousand families living in this deteriorating structure, unsure how long they can call this place home.