Residential satisfaction and housing modifications: A study in disaster-induced resettlement sites in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Purpose: This study focuses on residents' perceptions of the permanent houses built by various implementing agencies on the Calaanan site as part of post-Typhoon Washi resettlement in the city of Cagayan de Oro. This research aims to make a comparative analysis of the communities' pre- and post-disaster situation, their satisfaction with the housing provided and the factors influencing housing modification. Design/methodology/approach: The paper analyzes the data obtained from a questionnaire survey of residents, interviews with stakeholders involved in resettlement, observation survey and graphic documentation between July and August 2014. Findings: The analysis of residents' perspectives revealed that their building of extensions to houses was a response to a lack of consideration of their needs and of local environmental and cultural patterns in the planning and construction of permanent housing. Originality/value: The findings are used to develop points to consider to gain a better understanding of residents' adaptation to their environment. These points may be useful in improving future resettlement projects in a country permanently exposed to disasters.