MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte vowed to implement massive in-city relocation for informal settler families (ISF) in Quezon City in her bid to promote inclusive growth and secured socialized housing for Quezon City residents.
“I will do it [the massive in-city relocation]. It’s in the plan. I feel for the poor because what happens is, just because they are poor, they are deprived of the right to stay where they have been residing for years. We will study in what capacity the city will come in and we will do it,” said Belmonte in an interview.
Belmonte also stressed that the city government will continue to uphold the rights of QC residents for affordable housing through the stricter implementation of the city’s own socialized housing code.
“Through the Comprehensive Socialized Housing Code of Quezon City, we are able to protect your rights for efficient housing. That’s why if there are any national projects that will affect your vicinities, you have the right to be compensated. And the city government will assure that your rights will not be compromised,” said Belmonte.
The vice mayor also added that the city government has been wanting to take over the housing programs for informal settler families in the city to make sure that the best interest of the residents is being served.
“Gusto kong ipaglaban na, kung maaari, city government na ang gumawa ng housing projects dahil kung ang city government, mas mapapaigting natin ang ating pagtutulungan bilang mamamayan at bilang pamahalaan,” she added.
“Makakaasa kayo na ipaglalaban natin ang mga karapatan ninyo sa bahay at palupa sa pamamagitan ng ating mga batas at ordinansa na gagamitin natin to its full capacity to fight for your rights to make sure that the housing you will receive is appropriate and is a housing that will make you happy,” Belmonte stressed.