Friday, September 24, 2010

Informal Settlers and their Demolition

For lack of development in their respective places, and lack of employment, people from the rural areas flock to the city.. With no place to go to in the metropolis, they have no choice but to squat in vacant lots. They (the informal settlers) have been in the place for years already.

The informal settlers beside the Philippine National Railways (PNR) have been relocated smoothly, there was no violence. Before the relocation, talks/negotiations were made over the years. Notice/postponements on the relocation were made. And when the relocation was finally set, the informal settlers have been readied emotionally and financially. Relocation sites of about 50 kms away from the former site were accepted because their housing was ready, and transportation was provided to the settlers, in addition to financial assistance. Settlers were given options on the place to settle in. They were asked to visit the sites, before decisions were made.

Water, electricity and school were provided, and most of all, their houses are being paid at a very minimal amount which they will eventually own. They are happy with the outcome.

In the case of the demolition in Baranggay Pag-asa, Quezon City, some policemen and some residents were injured. Were it not for the intervention of President Noy, it is going to
be another bloodbath..

Architect Felino Palafox , who was interviewed at DZMM, had these comments/suggestions:
- that the poor has to be included in the urban planning. If they are not included, who would do the rich’ laundry and work in their offices?
- Waterways should have an easement meant as walkways.
- the city should have an underground basin to catch the rain. Houses should do the same, and that their bedroom should be on the 2nd floor, and so with the electrical installation. This is especially true with the places that are now prone to flooding.

Architect Palafox has talks in other countries about urban planning, flood prevention and others, why not in the Philippines?

Architect Palafox submitted his proposal, a ten-year plan to avert any disaster brought about by flood, fire, and earthquake, to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in January 2010, and again in June 2010 to President Aquino.

Mr. President, please consider this as an urgent matter. Remember the lives lost during the Ondoy typhoon. If we don't act fast, this is a sin of omission. "The sin of omission shall condemn many to hell, be they layman or Hierarchy. I repeat: not the sin of commission, but the sin of omission will commit many to hell." Our Lady of the Roses, October 6, 1980
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3 comments:

  1. I have heard about this demolition project in the news. I don't understand why these residents wouldn't give way for the land when in fact they were given houses for them to live. However, it is still important to think of their safety, gladly the demolition experts know these.

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  2. How can we know if the papers/documents sending us is true?

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  3. about the demolition on our place?

    ReplyDelete