PRE-DEMOLITION CONFERENCE GUIDELINES

Pre-Demolition Conference (PDC) Guideline emanates from what happened during a violent demolition and eviction at Silverio Compound, Paranaque City last April 23, 2012. On May 2, 2012 former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo issued a letter to the Philippine National Police (PNP) directing Chief PNP Nicanor Bartolome that in order to put an end to the senseless hostility related to demolition and eviction the following protocol must be strictly observed:

1. (a) No police assistance shall be rendered nor police personnel be deployed to the demolition and/or eviction site unless an exhaustive consultation has been completed. (b) The consultation process and the procedures for proper eviction or demolition as set forth under Section 28 of the UDHA must be complied with, including the requirement for the PNP personnel deployed to wear proper uniforms and to observe proper disturbance control procedures during the execution of demolition and eviction activities.

2. A pre-demolition conference must be conducted and the same shall be deemed complied and completed under the following conditions :

a. The Local PNP designated as a

full-time staff or personnel in charge of demolition and eviction activities involving informal settlers must actively participate in the consultation process as defined and identified under the Urban Development and Housing Act .

b. consultation proper as provided

under UDHA and its

(Turn to page 6)

“Bukas ang korte sa lahat ng sektor”,

this was the message of Supreme Court (SC) Court Administrator Midas P. Marquez during a meeting with the PCUP Chairman Hernani B. Panganiban on May 2, 2013 held at Supreme Court, Manila.

Said meeting was requested by the commission relative to the proposed programs on public information campaign on urban poor related laws. The PCUP believes that there is a need to strengthen and fully disseminate such laws towards an effective and efficient implementation of all its provisions.

Similarly, Chairman Panganiban discussed the Pre-Demolition Conference (PDC), a mechanism where all the stakeholders are gathered in a meeting to ensure that all the provisions cited in Republic Act 7279 especially on the conduct of just and humane demolition process is strictly observed. He said, that the PDC Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is currently with the

DILG Secretary for signature. “Padalhan ako pag napirmahan na para we can come up with a related issuances”, replied Court Administrator Marquez.

He also committed to support the plans and programs of the commission, as PCUP is proposing a dialogue with the Executive Judges with the Local Government Units (LGUs). This is in line with the PCUP’s effort to promote greater understanding on relevant urban poor laws and policies. He further said, “Ang mga Judges willing magsalita, to take part in a situation”. The Judges are ready to cooperate in providing LGUs and other stakeholders legal education particularly information on court proceedings, he added.

For 2013, PCUP hopes to bolster its public information campaign on urban poor related laws through a partnership with the Supreme Court and other concerned government agencies. (A. Nacianceno)

In this issue...

Chairman’s Note P.2

Editorial P.2

FOD-NCR Reviews... P.3

Empowering the UP... P.3

Urban Community... P.4

Sustainable Habitat... P.4

Building Back... P.5

Social Inclusion... P.5

Panahon ng tag ulan P.6

Commissioner’s Corner P.7

PCUP Media Affairs P.7

Policy Statement P.8

PCUP LINKS UP WITH SUPREME COURT

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION FOR THE URBAN POOR

Building the Capacities of the Urban Poor

ISS UE

01 J A N U A R Y - J U N E 2 0 1 3

Supreme Court Administrator Marquez confirms his support to PCUP through Chairman Panganiban

2

For 27 years, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has been steadfast in its mandate to serve as the direct link of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation addressed to their needs. On December 8, 1986, then President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order (EO) No.82 creating the PCUP .

On March 29, 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued EO 69 strengthening the PCUP and taking it under the Office of the President. Apparently, this was an impetus that upscales the PCUP’s pillars of building the capacities of the urban poor. Indeed, this will contribute greatly to the realization of PNoy’s Social Contract towards inclusive growth, human development and poverty reduction.

First is the conduct of social preparation related to asset reform, human development, livelihood and other basic social services. Basically, this is a knowledge transfer of the government’s programs and services that the urban poor may avail themselves of. PCUP also conducts orientations on the rights of the urban poor, their privileges as well as their responsibilities.

Second is the provision of Capability Building

Program to the Urban Poor Organizations through its leaders. The modules are on leadership, organizational management, values formation, conflict management, and gender and development.

Third is Pre-Demolition Conference, where the PCUP presides. All the stakeholders and affected families are called for a consultation towards a win-win resolution of conflict.

Fourth evolves on the policy advocacy and program development responsive to the priority needs of the urban poor.

Gleaned from the activities of PCUP, its underlying strategies are anchored on accreditation, consultation, coordination, monitoring and policy recommendation. It has institutionalized its linkages with the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government. It is in constant discussion

“Building the Capacities of the Urban Poor”

Unang lathala ng PCUP, binabati ko ang lahat ng mga bumubuo sa patnugot na ito! Naniniwala ako na ang paglimbag ng ulat kumustahan, balitaan sa pamamagitan ng Newsletter ay isang pamamaraan para sa mas maayos na ugnayan. Hindi sagka ang kakulangan sa pondo upang hindi tayo makapaglimbag ng mga ulat . Pagkalipas ng dalawang taon, limang buwan at isang linggo na ako ay nanunungkulan

bilang Punong Tagapamahala ng PCUP, pagkatapos maatasan ng ating Pangulong

PNoy, halos tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating pakikibaka sa loob ng gobyerno upang tayo ay

marinig. Ako at ang komisyon ay mananatili pa ring mag-iingay hanggang may

magagawa sa 10-Point Covenant na nilagdaan ng ating Pangulo at Kalihim Mar Roxas

ng DILG. Harinawa na sa pamumuno naming mga komisyonado, may pagbabago kaming magagawa sa loob ng komisyon.

Huwag natin patirin ang ugnayan , lalo na sa pag-organisa. “Balak kong 10 bundok ang akyatin , ngunit mas nanaisin ko

kahit isa lang o dalawa ang marating, basta siguradong kakayanin at mararating ang tuktok ng tagumpay!

EDITORIAL

with the LGUs on matters relating to the urban poor. Likewise, talks are initiated for a partnership with the private sector. PCUP also links with media. Evidently PCUP will remain faithful to its mission of building capacities of the urban poor to enhance opportunities for access to land and housing, livelihood, and basic services geared towards an improved human development status.

Alinsunod sa pahayag ni PNoy na…

“Ang mabigyang-lakas ang maralitang tagalungsod sa paghahandog ng sapat na

kaalaman at mas malawak na pagkakataong makiisa sa paglutas ng

problemang panlipunan”.

PCUP Handog ay kaalaman. Maralitang Tagalunsod ating pakinggan,

katuwang ng bayan sa kaunlaran.

Hon. Hernani B. Panganiban Chairman/CEO

Dear everyone,

The PCUPdates is the maiden issue of PCUP’s Newsletter. This was conceived and designed to serve as your avenue to express your concerns, your sentiments, and your aspirations. This features the works of PCUP as well as your stories. We are inviting everyone to give feedback and recommendations to make our Newsletter more meaningful. Write us at: PCUPdates c/o PCUP – Research, Planning and Monitoring Division (RPMD) 4th Floor, No.1115, DHC Bldg. Project 7, EDSA Quezon City Telephone No.: 410-4503 / Follow us at: www.pcup.gov.ph Sincerely,

or email us at: pcuprpmd@yahoo.com PCUPdates

Chairman’s Note

EMPOWERING THE URBAN POOR LEADERS In line with President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, III’s covenant with the poor, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor is tasked to conduct capability building programs for the urban poor leaders. This program aims to improve the skills and attitude of the marginalized sector for them to become partners in development and nation building.

The Field Operations Division for Luzon lined up 22 trainings in different provinces, cities and municipalities. From January to mid May 2013, 6 trainings were already conducted. With a budget cost of P 152,564.00, 254 urban poor leaders benefitted from the program. As

follows:

Date Area/Venue Module No. of

Participants

March 14, 2013 De Luxe Hotel and Restaurant, Burgos Street, Cabanatu-an City

Leadership, Effective Communication, RA 7279 (Section 27 & 28) and UDHA Monitoring

43

April 3-4, 2013 Haring, San Agustin Court and Baras Elementary School Covered Court, Canaman, Camarines Sur

Understanding and Managing Conflict 44

April 11, 2013 Function Room, Baguio Holiday Villas, No. 10 Legarda Road, Baguio City

Orientation on Conflict Management

38

April 19, 2013 DWYNS La Paz Bachoy Function Hall, Junction 1, Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Formulating Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives, Consti-tution & By Laws, Teambuilding & UDHJA Monitoring

30

May 7, 2013 Heroes Hall, Magdalena Subdivision, City of San Fernan-do, Pampanga

Understanding and Managing Conflict 46

May 23, 2013 Multi-Purpose Hall, New Municipal Building, San Pedro, Laguna

Organizational Management, Leadership and Basic Orien-tation on Accreditation

53

3

Embarking on a massive task to enhance capabilities of urban poor leaders in the National Capital Region for 2013, the Field Operations Division for National Capital Region (FOD-NCR) conducted a Workshop-Evaluation of the Training Modules used for Training Urban Poor Leaders.

Participated in by fifteen (15) FOD-NCR personnel, the activity was held at Caliraya Resort Club, Barangay Lewin, Lumban, Laguna on June 4-6, 2013. It provided an opportunity to exchange views and experiences in

order to review and develop the training modules of the commission conducted for the urban poor.

The three-day activity produced modified training modules which are easily comprehensible and adaptable by the participating urban poor leaders which ensured empowerment among the sector.

Further, FOD-NCR identified the following topics for trainings: Basic Orientation Seminar on Executive Order 82 and Republic Act 7279; Leadership; Organizational Management; Mediation and Paralegal.

FOD-NCR REVIEWS TRAINING MODULES

FOR THE URBAN POOR

To monitor the effectiveness of the new training modules, FOD-NCR will regularly conduct impact evaluation after each training and orientation. (Romila B. Portes)

Participants gained a better understanding of laws governing them, knowledge in running their respective organizations and skills in managing conflict among their officers and members. Likewise, the roles and functions of each officer were made clearer to them. They learned new ways on how to lead and sustain their groups. (Victor Allan C. Ilagan)

Leaders of Palawan

Cabanatuan City

Laguna

Baguio City

Camarines Sur

Ms. Beth Avila

Mr. Obet Bonifacio

Mr. Victor Allan Ilagan

Mr. Willy Siena

Ms. Olympia Micor

4

Urban Community

Gardening

Potted vegetable plants hang around the houses in Laguna Neighborhood Association, Inc. (LNAI) at Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City. Outside their houses upland kangkong, okra, tomatoes, pechay, eggplants and string beans cover several tiny plots of land. Green onions in worn

-out rubber shoes lined a portion of the alley. This is the usual scene when one visit the community of forty-five (45) participating urban poor organizations in Cebu City to the Urban Gardening Contest.

After the four batches of Urban Gardening Seminar organized by Pagtambayayong Foundation, Inc. (PFI), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Engr. Nestor Archival’s famous Eco House, a contest on Urban Community Gardening was launched last December 2, 2012 at the Cebu Technological School. The contest allowed only the use of recyclable materials such as pet bottles, sacks, tetra packs, plastic bags and even worn-rubber shoes as pots. The urban poor communities started seed bedding in February.

The final judging took place on April 5 & 6, 2013. The criteria for judging are recycling and waste utilization, community involvement and sustainability, composting, landscaping and

nursery and crop management.

On May 8, 2013 at the Guadalupe Gym, Brgy. Guadalupe, Cebu City, the Laguna Neighborhood Association, Inc. and St. Vincentville Homeowners Association, Inc. won the first prize, which will share among themselves the cash amounting to P30,000.00. Second prize winners are the Pundok Kauswagan sa Lower Lomar (PKSLL) Homeowners Association and Rocky Hills Homeowners Association who received

P20,000.00, while the third prize goes to the Creekside Homeowners Association and Villa Fatima Homeowners Association that received P10,000.00. Each major prizes had two winners who will share the cash prices.

(Turn to page 6)

The potted vegetable plants lined the alley leading to the community.

The green onions in worn-out rubber shoes.

The 1st prize winner of the Urban Gardening Contest,

St. Vincentville HOA.

Fifty-one (51) urban poor organization leaders from Toledo City were given a chance to tour the now famous Archival Eco House on December 1, 2012 as part of their Training on Urban Farming.

The eco house is located on Earth, Wind and Sun Compound, Brgy. Talamban, Cebu City and sits in a 7,000 square-meter property. Once inside, you will be informed by the tour guide that it is divided into three (3) sections, namely: goatery, vermi compost beds and carpentry. At the goatery section, as the name connotes, there are goats that you can feed and pet. The vermin compost beds housed vermi-worms which turned organic waste into nutrient-rich vermi casts. On the other section, the

carpentry, furnitures are crafted out of scrap materials. During the tour, the tourists were serenaded by a rondalla.

PVC pipes, empty wine bottles, soda cans, cable spools, tetra packs, crushed eggshells find its way at the eco house. One will feel amazed at how these garbage could still be useful and be artful at that. At the end of the tour, an environmental lecture followed. Engr. Nestor Archival, a nature advocate and one of the driving forces behind the

just concluded Urban Community Gardening Contest in Cebu City, emphasized that each one of us, in our own little way, can greatly contribute to creating a sustainable habitat by

practicing religiously the three (3) R’s, namely: reduce, reuse and recycle. The leaders wanted to

replicate what they have seen and experienced; they wanted to turn their respective communities into an ecologically balanced and

sustainable habitat. They were happy that they gained some insights on how to turn their garbage into something useful and be able to give their share on how to preserve our nature.

The office has established partnership with Engr. Archival in transferring his knowledge and spreading the love for environment among urban poor dwellers. To date, nine (9) capability building trainings were conducted by PCUP together with Engr. Archival. It created awareness to three hundred forty-six (346) urban poor leaders in the cities of Cebu, Toledo, Lapu-Lapu, Naga as well as the municipalities of Minglanilla and Lilo-an.

The next time you finish that Diet Cola in can, you may think twice if you will throw it in the garbage bin or bring it home, imagine something artsy out of it and be a responsible nature nurturer. You bet… (Arlene D. Tudtud) The soda cans used as railings.

The vermi compost beds.

“Sustainable Habitat, Anyone?”

5

PCUP CHAIR PANGANIBAN AFFIRMS SUPPORT TO “BUILDING BACK

BETTER PROGRAM OF DAVAO ORIENTAL”

PCUP Chairperson Hernani B. Panganiban affirmed the call of Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental to respond to the needs of 20,000 families –Typhoon Pablo survivors identified as priority beneficiaries for permanent shelter in the municipalities of Baganga, Boston , Cateel and Caraga. This was during his visit and meeting on April 25,

2013 with the Governor and other key leaders from different national government agencies, and urban poor leaders from Davao del Norte representing the Island Garden City of Samal, Tagum City and Panabo City and the City of Mati held at the Capitol Conference Hall.

As a positive action and commitment to support the urgent need of the affected families, Chair Panganiban committed to make a follow-up and track all commitments to the Office of the President (OP). Likewise, he will bring the matter during the cabinet cluster meetings where PCUP is a member to expedite the titling of properties identified for relocation/resettlement sites and other concerns.

Moreover, PCUP Chair has approved the focused presence and support of the PCUP Mindanao personnel assigned in the Province with the assistance of the PCUP Legal Officer to deepen its presence, and services. This is to bring forth the much needed results to translate its mandate under Executive order (EO 69) Strengthening of PCUP most especially in the social preparation in the Provincial Inter-agency Committee (Prov-IAC) for security of tenure, adequate shelter, employment and livelihood.

As a result of PCUP’s presence to the Prov-IAC and other related activities, PCUP Team Marilou A. Tarona and Bessie Mae Tronco have successfully endorsed two (2) projects to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The first project is cash for work employment generation for 208 families (1,040 individuals more or less ) in Barangay Lamabajon, Baganga, Davao Oriental which will be completed by June 15, 2013 . All workers are covered with health insurance and accident coverage for one year, PhilHealth for 6 months and Social Security System (SSS) coverage for one month.

The second project is funded by the United Nations Development Programme- Phils (UNDP) for the training on carpentry and decorative crafts and livelihood including the establishments of a carpentry/sawmill with organic fertilizer facility cum resource

center for 50 workers. This will indirectly contribute to the production of materials for the construction of 2,000 shelters for the said areas.

The two projects cost is more than 5 Million Pesos. The Alliance of Government Employees Cooperatives (ALGEMCO) in Region XI is the local partner under the BBB of the Province. Local counterpart from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) / Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and local partner are expected to be equated to the actual funds granted by the ILO and UNDP to complete the projects. (Mercedita B. Narciso)

Social Inclusion and Alternative Livelihood for the Informal Waste Sector Project

The PCUP and Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on 13 November 2012 in the PCUP Conference Room at EDSA, Quezon City. The Agreement focused on partnership to train,

develop and mainstream the informal waste sector (IWS) into the government system.

“Mainstream” means that the IWS shall be recognized and included in the Department of Labor and Employment’s list of workers to be given securities, such as Philhealth, SSS, PAG-IBIG, and so forth.

Specifically, the agencies shall jointly undertake the following:

1. Training and capacity building for the IWS members;

2. Strengthening of the IWS members in recycling cooperatives;

3. Facilitate access of the IWS members to alternative livelihood opportunities;

4. Establish partnerships with private sector to provide training and employment to members of the IWS; and

5. Develop and implement business enterprises for the IWS

Earmarked for the project now dubbed as “Social Inclusion and Alternative Livelihood for the Informal Waste Sector” is a fund from the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) through the World Bank which was released to the SWAPP as the administrator. The SWAPP is a non-government agency working on the informal waste sector and the environment. .As a partner agency, PCUP made important contributions in preparing the policies and guidelines for the fund utilization and framework of operations. The guidelines had been presented to the World Bank

for approval.

PCUP’s involvement in the Informal Waste Sector activities dates back from an invitation

to the World Bank’s 1st Conference on “Building and Strengthening Partnerships with the Informal Waste Sector” held on March 25-26, 2010 in the World Bank office, Ortigas, Pasig City. The National Solid Waste Management Committee presented the National Framework Plan for the Informal Waste Sector to answer the problem of unemployment due to the closing of dump sites as a result of the implementation of Republic Act 9003, also known as “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.”

Hence, the Commission started to advocate on alternative livelihood for the beneficiaries who are the waste pickers, mangangalahigs,

magbobote/ diyaryo, small junk shop owners, and eco-aide. The partner people’s organizations are Linis–Ganda, a Cooperative of junk shop owners, and Payatas Alliance Recyclers’ Enterprise (PARE) in Payatas dump site.

In NCR, 2,000 IWS from the areas of Quezon City, Pasay City, Taguig and Makati shall be developed, and 1,000 from outside NCR including Visayas and Mindanao areas. (Glenda T. dela Cruz)

PCUP Chair Hernani B. Panganiban and SWAPP President Ms. Grace Sapuay signed the Memorandum of Agreement witnessed by agencies.

PCUP Chair Hernani B. Panganiban discussing livelihood

with the Linis Ganda Cooperative members on January 10,

2013 at PCUP Conference Room, EDSA, Quezon City

Conduct of PCUP orientation for Payatas

Alliance Recycling Exchange Cooperative,

January 11, 2013

6

PRE-DEMOLITION...

(Continued from page 1)

Implementing Rules and Regulations must be strictly observed, and that the role of the PNP must be clearly set forth.

The following agencies must be represented during the Pre-Demolition Conference : the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Local Government Unit (LGU) authorized to demolish or evict and other concerned agencies, which must work in close coordination with one another. The PCUP shall preside the conference and may call on the assistance of other agencies whenever necessary under the circumstances .

c. The details of the pre-demolition conference must be documented and/or recorded, summarizing the points of agreement and disagreements arrived at, and copies of these must be furnished to all parties concerned .

d. The pre-demolition conference notice must be issued to the PNP no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the intended date of demolition or eviction. In no case shall the pre-demolition conference be held within the same prescriptive period.

On the same date, May 2, 2012, Former Secretary Robredo also wrote to PCUP Chairman Hernani B. Panganiban, requesting assistance with regard to his directives and indicated therein the Commission’s role in the implementation.

Through the initiative of PCUP, the Commission called an inter-agency meeting with the concerned agencies and came up with the agreement that a guideline must be drafted in order to have an efficient implementation of the said directive. After series of review and discussion of the Draft Guidelines, the same was finished last December 2012 and was signed on January 30, 2013. (Maria Elena M. Manila)

...Gardening (Continued from page 4)

The cash award is sponsored by the PFI, the garden tools comes from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Cong. Tomas Osmeña, while the seeds was provided by the DA.

These community gardens will serve as model to the entire urban poor community in the city. It is expected that every household will continue to do the same. This activity is an opportunity for livelihood by earning money through selling their crop, aside from providing their family with fresh nutritious chemical-free vegetables. Their children will early learn the importance of vegetable plants and the vegetables itself not only in books and pictures but seeing it real before their very own eyes juxtaposing their love to take good care of the nature. Beyond this, they have inspired their neighbors, even the rich communities, to cultivate their gardens to grow their own vegetables.

On top of it all, it helps the nation in the reduction of household garbage and recycle urban waste into livelihood towards an ecologically balanced community. (Arlene D. Tudtud)

The 2nd prize winner of the Urban Gardening Contest,

Cebu Rocky Hills HOA.

Tag-ulan na naman kaya kailangan maging handa sa mga posibleng dala nito. Sa panahong ito ay maraming bagyo ang tumatama sa bansa. Kaya importanteng paghandaan ang panahong ito upang mabawasan ang pag-aalala at maging ligtas sa mga sakunang dala ng tag-ulan.

Ito ang mga tips namin upang hassle-free at maging ligtas ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan:

Ayusin na ang mga butas sa bubong at mga

crack sa bahay

Alisin ang mga nakabarang bagay tulad ng

tuyong dahon o sanga sa alulod ng bahay

Magtambak ng mga buhangin sa mga

mabababang bahagi ng paligid ng bahay

Sakaling may ikalawa o higit pang palapag

ang bahay, iakyat na ang mga bagay na nasa ground floor upang hindi mabasa ng baha ang mga kagamitan

Linisin ang mga baradong kanal upang

maiwasan ang pagbabaha

Ayusin at itago na ang mga mahahalagang

dokumento sa waterproof box o lalagyanang hindi agad napapasukan ng Tubig

Pag-aralan kung paano mapapatay ang

kuryente sakaling bumaha sa bahay

Mag-imbak ng tubig at pagkain na tatagal

ng 3 araw

Ihanda ang mga kakailanganing gamit

sakaling lumikas

Sakaling mag-brownout, gumamit ng

transistor o de-bateryang radyo at flashlight

Manatiling makinig at manood ng mga

balita sakaling may bagyong paparating

Maghanda ng first aid kit sakaling may

masamang nangyari sa isa sa mga kasama sa pamilya o kaibigan ay agad malulunasan

Maglaan ng pera upang may panustos

Panatilihing naka-charge at may load ang

cellphone upang magamit sakaling may kokontakin upang hingin ng tulong. I-save sa cellphone ang mga mahahalagang

hotlines na ito:

PNP : 117

PHL RED CROSS : 143 / 527-0000

PHL COAST GUARD : 527-6136 /

5273877

NDRRMC : 911-1406/912-2665

MMDA : 136 / 0917-5618711

PAGASA : 433-8526

MERALCO : 16211

MAYNILAD : 1626

MANILA WATER : 1627

DepEd : 63-728/6337208/6341925

CHED : 4411216

Sundin lamang ang mga tips naming ibinigay upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating sarili pati na rin ang mga mahal natin sa buhay. Iba na ang parating handa kaya paghandaan natin ang panahon ng tag-ulan. (Source: The Filipino servant)

Posted in : Buhay Pilipino, Life Threats, Nation, News Tags : disaster preparedness, Tagulan tips.

PAGHANDAAN ANG PANAHON NG TAG ULAN

HANDA NA BA KAYO?

by: Ed

Commissioner’s Corner PCUP Media Affairs

Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor disseminates and communicates urban poor related news and information to the public through its Media Affairs. It works in building rapport through television, radio, press release and internet. It assures the urban poor and its partner agencies and concerned stakeholders, including the media, that they are not just providing news about the urban poor but they will also be well-informed, inspired and get involved on what is going on with the sector.

PCUP was interviewed in radio programs, appeared in television and released several urban poor news articles. News and interviews focused on PCUP updates, demolition and eviction, relocations, livelihood programs, issues on squatting syndicates, and other urban poor related concerns.

On January 30, 2013, the Commission conducted a Press Conference on Pre-Demolition Conference*PDC+. PCUP Chairman, together with the four Commissioners, representative from Department of Interior and Local Government *DILG+, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) attended the event.

PCUP participated in trade fair and exhibit hosted by Kabisig Mindanao Foundation, Inc., where all government agencies and instrumentalities featured their respective programs and services.

The PCUP Media Affairs participated in malls exhibit where it could showcase the Commission’s mandate, programs and services. PCUP is a regular member of

the Kabisig Mindanao Foundation, Inc. whose primary goal is to help bring together in one venue all government agencies and instrumentalities, GOCCs and GFIs where it could feature its respective profile, service facilities, programs and projects, products and accomplishments. PCUP participated in this exhibit for two consecutive years

now. The first one was held at the Activity Center, SM Fairview in 2012 and at the Megatrade Hall2, SM Megamall on June 10-12, 2013 with the theme “Kaalaman ng Mamayan: Kabalikat sa Matuwid na Daan.” (Grace Eusebio-De Polonia)

“To realize our societal goal of inclusive growth, one of the innovative reforms of this government is the strategy of planning and budgeting from the ground up. This bottom-up approach aims to institutionalize the participation of the poor in government processes and decision making---from planning to implementation and monitoring of programs and projects. Their real development aspirations will be included when they have meaningful participation in the process. By doing so, the economic gains we are achieving now, will have its translation in the human development status of the marginalized.”

RIC O. DOMINGO Commissioner

dislocation to urban poor sector which we call now informal settlers.

While it somehow moderately performed its mandate, PCUP is here to show cause in its functions on policy review and recommendation, monitoring of government anti-poverty programs/projects like the government resettlement sites and more importantly the capacity building of the urban poor sector as provided in its expanded mandate in Executive Order 69. This is crucial in effecting the long expected fundamental change in our government to become more effective in giving solution to poverty and homelessness thus improving the lives of the urban poor and the whole nation in general.

The present administration of President Noynoy Aquino offers a lot of opportunities. While vent to push for more policy reforms, more resources are made available and more mechanisms are in place for people's participation not just to push for policies and programs but in having a say in the budget of national government agencies through the bottom-up- budgeting (BUB). There is the P50B on-site housing fund for the 104,000 Informal Settler Families living in eight (8) major waterways of metro manila that would somehow pave the way for a long term and permanent solution to urban congestion, pollution, calamities including criminalities and hopefully urban poverty.

All other opportunities are there present and hopefully we, in PCUP as an instrumentality of government can take this up as a challenge.

To our clients, the urban poor sector, keep us on track by becoming more vigilant and watchful of our performance. Your feedbacks are most welcome in this newsletter.

MA. JOY B. JARABELO Commissioner

We are happy and proud to publish the maiden issue of PCUPdates. My congratulations to the editorial and production team.

Since PCUP's creation in December 8, 1986, then President Cory Aquino saw the need to create a government agency, among others, to advise her on matters of policies and programs and to be the link of government to the ballooning urban poor sector and vice versa with the purpose of addressing urban poverty brought about by rural stagnation resulting to urban migration, unplanned urbanization, erroneous policies and mismanagement, and long time neglect of past governments that brought havoc of marginalization and massive

"Urban Poor deserve to enjoy the inclusive growth of our country.

Asset Reform programs must keep abreast to the current and relevant

issues of the urban poor. It is timely to adopt an integrated city-wide

approach that mobilizes broader social and technical support through

larger network, rather than project based approach. Also, we need to

develop housing subsidy policy that encourage on-site, in-city or near

city housing, because it does not require additional investments on

infrastructure and public services."

CIPRIANO M. FAMPULME

Commissioner

Special Thanks to Mr. Joel C. Cruz, our guest

editor, for his valuable assistance in the

preparation of PCUPdates.

7

POLICY STATEMENT OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

Minding the urban poor Para sa 2012 Urban Poor Solidarity Week (Heroes Hall, Palasyo ng Malacañan, 6 Disyembre 2012)

Ngayon lang po siguro natin mababalikan: Sa usapin ng pagpapalikas at demolisyon, ilang bangayan na kaya

ang napigilang maganap sa simpleng pagbibigay ng sapat na panahon sa mapayapang pag-uusap? Ilang

buhay na kaya ang naisalba sa pamamayani ng hinahon, pasensya, at pakikinig sa isa't isa? 1mbes na bagtasin ang masalimuot na daan ng sisihan at pagkakanya- kanya, itinuro

niya ang landas ng pagkakaisa: kaysa tapakan ang karapatan ng kapwa, pinaghari

niya ang respeto at pagpapakumbaba. Imbes na yurakan ang dignidad ng mga

maralita, bigyang-lakas natin sila upang gawin ang tama at nararapat.

Upang tugunan ito, tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang ating Resettlement Program, gamit ang

10.55-billion pesos na pondo sa ilalim ng Disbursement Accelerated Program 2011. Nitong Nobyembre, nasa 4,890 off-city housing units na ang nakumpleto natin sa Metro

Manila at nagsisilbi nang kanlungan sa mahigit apat na libong pamilya. Isang good

news pa po: Nitong Agosto, nai-award na ang 169.4-million pesos na kontrata para sa

Iloilo Resettlement Project, kung saan isanlibong housing units ang ating maipapatayo

sa 5.6 na ektarya ng lupain sa Jaro, Iloilo. Target po itong makumpleto sa Hulyo ng 2013.

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Sa nakaraang taon, maganda rin pong mabanggit na

higit na tumibay ang ugnayan ng inyong hanay sa

pamahalaan, at lalo pang naipanday ang kakayahan

ng inyong mga kasamahan - hindi lang sa pag-aangat

ng sariling kalagayan - kundi maging sa pag-aambag

tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran ng mga komunidad.

Bukod sa mga isinasagawa ninyong trainings at press

conferences, nagagalak po ako sa mga naging resulta

ng inyong Urban Poor Summits sa mga

munisipalidad, lungsod, o rehiyon sa bansa. Ayon

nga po sa inyong tala, umabot na sa halos 4,800

urban poor organizations ang nakikiisa sa inyong

programa. Kinakatawan ito ng mahigit

dalawandaang libong urban poor families sa buong

Pilipinas. Ibig pong sabihin, sa mga pagpupulong na

ito, daang-libo ring maralitang taga-lungsod ang

nabibigyang-kaalaman at tinig sa mga usaping tulad

ng asset reform, ebiksiyon at demolisiyon, at mga

programang pangkabuhayan at pangkaunlaran ng

ating pong gobyerno.

Iisa pa rin po ang punto nito: ang mabigyang-lakas

ang mga maralitang taga- lungsod sa paghahandog

ng sapat na kaalaman at mas malawak na

pagkakataong makiisa sa paglutas ng mga

problemang panlipunan. Noon, para bang

inetsapuwera ng gobyerno ang informal settlers -

ipadadala sa malalayong lugar na malayo rin sa kaunlaran. Ngayon, ang mga

komunidad na kanilang lilipatan ay hindi lamang ligtas, kundi ginagawa ring

abot-kamay ang ginhawa.

Iisa pa rin po ang punto nito: ang mabigyang—lakas

ang mga maralitang taga-lungsod sa paghahandog ng

sapat na kaalaman at mas malawak na pagkakataong

makiisa sa paglutas ng mga problemang panlipunan.

Naniniwala pa rin tayong hindi balakid o pabigat ang mga nasa laylayan ng

lipunan. Sila mismo ang ating katuwang sa pagtataguyod ng mga komunidad;

sila mismo ang dapat bigyang-tinig at lakas upang sabay-sabay na mapaangat

ang sambayanan; sila mismo ang makikiambag sa malawakang pag-unlad.

Ngayon po, higit kailanman, tinatawag tayo upang lalo pang magkaisa,

magtulungan, at kumayod para sa susunod na mga taon. Ito na po marahil ang

pinakamaganda nating pagkakataon upang tugunan ang mga hamon na

kinakaharap ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod.

Si Secretary Jesse Robredo na po mismo ang nagsabi, "For this country to

succeed, we need to make heroes of the ordinary people. We need to make heroes

of ourselves." Sama-sama po nating patunayan ang natatanging husay,

pagmamalasakit, at angking kabayanihan ng mga karaniwang mamamayan.

Kasama ang buong puwersa ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod, ipamalas natin

ang lakas at bisa ng bayanihan sa pagtaguyod ng mas maunlad na bayan.

(Source: Policy Statement of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III,

President of the Republic of the Philippines)

Presidential Proclamation No. 367 dated January 30, 1989 issued by then President Corazon C. Aquino, declares December 2-8 of every year

as Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW). PCUP initiates the UPSW activities. All government departments, agencies and offices and non

government organization are enjoined to extend cooperation and support.