This thesis takes a point of departure in the rising problem of slum dwellers in the world. It is estimated that 1 billion people live as slum dwellers today and that this number, if not addressed, will rise to 3 billion in 2050. The problem is especially prevalent in Asia, which accounts for 60 percent of the world’s total slum population. This study seeks to assess the Philippine development effort in providing adequate and legal housing for slum dwellers and squatters, who constitute approximately 44 percent of the urban population. Within the debate of housing provision, there has been increasing attention toward state withdrawal and decentralization of responsibilities. Furthermore, the debate has focused on deregulation and the involvement of the private sector in housing for the urban poor. There are, however, others in the debate that point to a lack of resources and management locally. Furthermore, scholars argue that the private sector is not suitable to take on the responsibility of socialized housing, as its main focus is on profits, thus making socialized housing unattainable for squatters and slum dwellers. The study positions Philippine housing provision within this debate.