This study provides an analysis of the location decisions and location patterns of faith-based organizations (FBOs), congregations, and community-based organizations (CBOs) in District V of Manila, and explores the implications of this location analysis to the planning field.
A total of 40 organizations (eight FBOs, 24 congregations, and eight CBOs) participated in the study. It determines the size, scope, nature, and coverage, similarities and differences in eight service type categories of the said organizations, namely, housing, economic development, social services, adult education, health services, community organizing, youth development and senior citizen services.
The results show that CBOs are most involved in five service type categories: housing, economic development, social services, educational services, and youth development, in which FBOs are also most active. CBOs have the highest service range index (SRI) in the said service types except for youth development. Congregations are the most active service providers and have the widest range of services in the following programs: health services, community organizing, and senior citizens services. Congregations also have the highest SRI in youth development. Congregations have the lowest percentage of organizations that provide services to the community but these organizations offer the widest ranges of services.
Half of each of the organization types follows a set of criteria in choosing their present location. Some of these are proximity to partner organizations, major institutions, and clientele, as well as accessibility to major transportation and communication modes. It is learned that these location factors affect their effective engagement in social service delivery.
Three location theories were used to explain the location patterns of the organizations, namely, Central Place Theory, Land Value Theory, and the Principle of Maximum Differentiation.