Mandaluyong City
December 7, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) 2016 celebration at the Hardin ng Pag-asa, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. With the theme, ‘Partnerships for Change with the Urban Poor,’ the event was spearheaded by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

According to PCUP Chairperson Terry Ridon, the immediate relocation of the super typhoon Yolanda victims, especially those situated at the ‘no-build zones’, is currently underway. The Commission, he said, will also be the one to facilitate the dislocation assistance for those who are affected by the ongoing Water Waste Clearing Project, wherein each family will receive PhP18,000 as aid.

Moreover, PCUP recently launched the Urban Poor Kontra Droga program that aims to have a community-based rehabilitation for all affected individuals and families in support of the government’s war against illegal drugs.

“Itong droga, pa-kaunti na lang. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na it is watering down, that I would not – sabi ko nga, hanggang [huling] araw ng aking pagka-presidente, yayariin ko talaga kayo… Why? Because you destroyed my country. It is not a matter of shabu for me. Sinira ninyo ang bayan ko,” President Duterte said in his speech, referring to those who are involved in illegal drug-related activities.

The UPSW celebration is in accordance with Proclamation No. 367 signed in 1989 that aims to promote “greater understandings on the issues and problems of urbanization, urban poverty, informal settlements and other related concerns.”

Also present during the program were Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, Mandaluyong City Lone District Representative Alexandria P. Gonzales, Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos, former Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin D.C. Abalos, and Barangay Addition Hills Captain Kent G. Faminial.

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