Rizal Hall, Malacanang
6 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the commemoration of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor’s 26th founding anniversary and the 24th year of Urban Poor Solidarity Week in Malacanang.

He was presented by the results of a series of summits conducted nationwide by PCUP with the urban poor and representatives of concerned government agencies. The paper contained the issues and corresponding recommendations for his appropriate actions.

The Urban Poor Summit was anchored on the Social Contract of President Aquino, particularly on Human Development and Poverty Reduction. Guided by the Ten-Point Covenant of the President with the urban poor, the topics for the summit included asset reform, just and humane demolition/eviction and relocation, livelihood and employment, provision of basic services, participation in governance, and Senate and House bills related to urban poor concerns.

The Urban Poor representatives likewise expressed their pledge of support to President Aquino and his administration.

President Aquino said in reply, “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 mapa-angat ang sambayanan; sila mismo ang makikiambag sa malawakang pag-unlad. Ngayon, higit kailanman, tinatawag tayo upang lalo pang magkaisa, magtulungan at kumayod para sa susunod na mga taon.”

During the event, the President also conferred the Posthumous Award on the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo in recognition of his work and assistance for the urban poor. Dr. Josephine Robredo-Bundoc, Robredo’s sister, accepted the award.

This year’s 26th anniversary and Urban Poor Solidarity Week carried the theme: “Isyu at Suliranin, Bibigyang Tugon; sa Maralitang Taga-Lungsod ang Paglilingkod Itutuon.”

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