Kadamay says with demolition threats, 2012 is a sad year for the urban poor

Jan. 16, 2012

Kadamay says with demolition threats, 2012 is a sad year for the urban poor

The urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)-Davao City expresses its strong condemnation over the continuing threats of demolitions in the country as well as the recent violent demolition in Barangay Corazon de Jesus, San Juan, Manila.

“What happened in San Juan is not an isolated case, for anywhere in the country urban poor communities are threatened with demolitions to pave way for the vested interests of the rich.  We vehemently condemn this and demand the Aquino government to concretely solve the housing problem in the country,” Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Kadamay-Davao City, said.

The demolition in San Juan will pave way for the White House-inspired City Hall, a commercial complex and a Pinaglabanan Shrine which the government wants to be a tourist destination.

Kadamay said the people in Corazon de Jesus, San Juan showed great valor and determination in defending their rights to life and abode as demolitions and forced evictions will definitely result to workers leaving their livelihood and children stopping from school.

“We have the same situation here in Davao City where threats of demolition seems endless and the city government offers relocation sites far away from the dislocated residents’ jobs, schools and livelihood,” Duazo said.

Duazo concluded, “it is ironic that we’ll be called ‘squatters’ in our own country.  The Aquino government must address the root-problems of the informal settlers by recognizing that landlessness is one of the major causes.”

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