Informal settlers remain along Agham Road

A YOUNG boy helps pick up what’s left of his family’s shanty after a recent demolition of a slum colony on Agham Road to make way for a new business district in Quezon City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – More than a week after the violent demolition of shanties along Agham Road in Quezon City, informal settlers remain in the area, Inquirer Radio 990AM said Tuesday.

The report said some families had set-up makeshift houses along the center island of Agham Road, protesting the demolition or waiting for their relocation to nearby provinces.

Residents, as well as members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), picketed the area and protested the government’s inadequate response to poverty. The group had hit the administration for favoring big businesses instead of assisting the poor. They claimed they would only be relocated to far-flung areas that lack basic social services and employment opportunities.

The land, owned by the National Housing Authority (NHA), along Agham Road has been cleared to pave the way for the city’s Central Business District.

The residents are hoping to make a “peace deal” with local authorities on Tuesday, fearing that they will again be evicted from their temporary shelters and having nowhere to go to.

The report said more than 200 families have been relocated to Montalban in Rizal, Bocaue, Balagtas and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan. Another 100 families are awaiting relocation.