DILG, urban poor groups sign no demolition pact

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government and urban poor groups on Wednesday signed an agreement assuring informal settlers that there will be no forcible demolition of their makeshift houses in enforcing the government's relocation of families living along waterways in Metro Manila.

The memorandum of agreement calls for the joint implementation of the on-site or near-site relocation for those residing in danger areas in the National Capital Region.

The accord also stated that there will be no forcible demolition of the riverside dwellers until after both parties have met anew.

Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez signed the MOA in behalf of the DILG while AnakPawis Partylist Rep. Fernando Hicap led the signatories for the urban poor group which included representatives of Buklod, Kadamay, KPMM, Courage, Gabriela and Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Prior the signing of the pact, urban poor groups under the Alyansa Kontra Demolisyon were rallying infront of the DILG office along EDSA when Fernandez, on instructions of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, invited the leaders for a dialogue and explain the government’s plan to clear the waterways before the rainy season sets in.

"Nais ko pong tiyakin sa lahat na hindi kayo ililipat sa lugar na malayo sa inyong hanapbuhay. Sa ilalim ng programa, hindi kayo aalisin sa inyong kasalukuyang tirahan na walang disente, maayos at ligtas na paglilipatan," Fernandez said.

Some 20,000 families in six major esteros in Metro Manila have been identified for relocation in phase one of a three-year relocation plan by the government under a policy which gives residents options on where they would like to be relocated.

Government estimates that over 60,000 families live along riverbanks in Metro Manila alone. - Dennis Carcamo