QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte aims to provide informal settlers with decent homes, saying she believes that this sector of society “have a large part of the labor force that contributes to the growth and development of their city and the national economy.“
Belmonte disclosed her plan when several urban poor leaders led by Amihan Dipasupil, president of the Samahang Nagkaikaisang Magkakapitbahay sa 145 Calamba Street Inc. (SNMCI) visited her office for a dialogue.
The group seeks help for relocation following a court order to demolish their homes on a private land along Calamba St. in Barangay Sto. Domingo.
During the meeting, the mayor found out that the lot›s owner did not provide relocation or significant aid to the affected families.
Belmonte expressed concern for the children’s well-being upon learning that the informal settlers were camped out on the road after the demolition of their houses.
Every family affected by the demolition will receive P35,000 in financial assistance from the mayor.