ISSUE 01 JANUARY - J U N E 2 0 1 3

Building the Capacities of the Urban Poor THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION FOR THE URBAN POOR In this issue... PRE-DEMOLITION

CONFERENCE Chairman’s Note P.2 GUIDELINES Editorial P.2

Pre-Demolition Conference (PDC) FOD-NCR Reviews... P.3 Guideline emanates from what happened during a violent demolition and eviction Empowering the UP... P.3 at Silverio Compound, Paranaque City last April 23, 2012. On May 2, 2012 Urban Community... P.4 former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Sustainable Habitat... P.4 M. Robredo issued a letter to the Building Back... P.5 Philippine National Police (PNP) directing Chief PNP Nicanor Bartolome that in Social Inclusion... P.5 order to put an end to the senseless hostility related to demolition and Panahon ng tag ulan P.6 eviction the following protocol must be Commissioner’s Corner P.7 strictly observed:

1. (a) No police assistance shall be PCUP Media Affairs P.7 rendered nor police personnel be Policy Statement P.8 deployed to the demolition and/or eviction site unless an exhaustive Supreme Court Administrator Marquez confirms his support to PCUP through Chairman Panganiban consultation has been completed.

(b) The consultation process and the procedures for proper eviction or PCUP LINKS UP WITH SUPREME COURT demolition as set forth under Section 28 of the UDHA must be “Bukas ang korte sa lahat ng sektor”, DILG Secretary for signature. “Padalhan complied with, including the ako pag napirmahan na para we can come requirement for the PNP personnel this was the message of Supreme Court (SC) deployed to wear proper uniforms Court Administrator Midas P. Marquez during a up with a related issuances”, replied Court and to observe proper disturbance meeting with the PCUP Chairman Hernani B. Administrator Marquez. control procedures during the Panganiban on May 2, 2013 held at Supreme execution of demolition and He also committed to support the plans and

eviction activities. Court, Manila. programs of the commission, as PCUP is proposing a dialogue with the Executive 2. A pre-demolition conference must Said meeting was requested by the commission be conducted and the same shall be relative to the proposed programs on public Judges with the Local Government Units deemed complied and completed information campaign on urban poor related (LGUs). This is in line with the PCUP’s effort under the following conditions : laws. The PCUP believes that there is a need to to promote greater understanding on

strengthen and fully disseminate such laws relevant urban poor laws and policies. He a. The Local PNP designated as a further said, “Ang mga Judges willing full-time staff or personnel in towards an effective and efficient charge of demolition and implementation of all its provisions. magsalita, to take part in a situation”. The eviction activities involving Judges are ready to cooperate in providing informal settlers must actively Similarly, Chairman Panganiban discussed the LGUs and other stakeholders legal participate in the consultation education particularly information on court process as defined and Pre-Demolition Conference (PDC), a mechanism identified under the Urban where all the stakeholders are gathered in a proceedings, he added.

Development and Housing Act . meeting to ensure that all the provisions cited in For 2013, PCUP hopes to bolster its public Republic Act 7279 especially on the conduct of information campaign on urban poor b. consultation proper as provided just and humane demolition process is strictly under UDHA and its related laws through a partnership with the observed. He said, that the PDC Implementing Supreme Court and other concerned (Turn to page 6) Rules and Regulations (IRR) is currently with the government agencies. (A. Nacianceno) 2

Chairman’s Note

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 Hon. Hernani B. Panganiban Chairman/CEO magagawa sa 10-Point Covenant na nilagdaan ng ating Pangulo at Kalihim 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 “Building the Capacities of the Urban Poor”

For 27 years, Presidential Commission for the Program to the Urban Poor Organizations with the LGUs on matters relating to the Urban Poor (PCUP) has been steadfast in its through its leaders. The modules are on urban poor. Likewise, talks are initiated for mandate to serve as the direct link of the leadership, organizational management, a partnership with the private sector. urban poor to the government in policy values formation, conflict management, and PCUP also links with media. Evidently formulation and program implementation gender and development. PCUP will remain faithful to its mission of addressed to their needs. On December 8, building capacities of the urban poor to Third is Pre-Demolition Conference, where 1986, then President Corazon C. Aquino enhance opportunities for access to land the PCUP presides. All the stakeholders and issued Executive Order (EO) No.82 creating and housing, livelihood, and basic services affected families are called for a consultation the PCUP . geared towards an improved human towards a win-win resolution of conflict.

development status. On March 29, 2012, President Benigno S. Fourth evolves on the policy advocacy and Aquino III issued EO 69 strengthening the Alinsunod sa pahayag ni PNoy na… program development responsive to the PCUP and taking it under the Office of the priority needs of the urban poor. “Ang mabigyang-lakas ang maralitang President. Apparently, this was an impetus tagalungsod sa paghahandog ng sapat na that upscales the PCUP’s pillars of building Gleaned from the activities of PCUP, its kaalaman at mas malawak na the capacities of the urban poor. Indeed, this underlying strategies are anchored on pagkakataong makiisa sa paglutas ng will contribute greatly to the realization of accreditation, consultation, coordination, problemang panlipunan”. PNoy’s Social Contract towards inclusive monitoring and policy recommendation. It PCUP Handog ay kaalaman. growth, human development and poverty has institutionalized its linkages with the Maralitang Tagalunsod ating pakinggan, reduction. executive, legislative and judicial branches of katuwang ng bayan sa kaunlaran. the government. It is in constant discussion First is the conduct of social preparation related to asset reform, human development, livelihood and other basic social services. Dear everyone,

Basically, this is a knowledge transfer of the The PCUPdates is the maiden issue of PCUP’s Newsletter. This was conceived and designed to serve as government’s programs and services that the your avenue to express your concerns, your sentiments, and your aspirations. This features the works of PCUP as well urban poor may avail themselves of. PCUP as your stories. We are inviting everyone to give feedback and recommendations to make our Newsletter more meaningful. also conducts orientations on the rights of the Write us at: PCUPdates urban poor, their privileges as well as their c/o PCUP – Research, Planning and Monitoring Division (RPMD) responsibilities. 4th Floor, No.1115, DHC Bldg. Project 7, EDSA Telephone No.: 410-4503 / Follow us at: www.pcup.gov.ph Sincerely,

or email us at: [email protected] PCUPdates Second is the provision of Capability Building 3

FOD-NCR REVIEWS TRAINING MODULES FOR THE URBAN POOR Embarking on a massive task to order to review and develop the enhance capabilities of urban poor training modules of the commission leaders in the National Capital Region conducted for the urban poor. for 2013, the Field Operations The three-day activity produced Division for National Capital Region modified training modules which are (FOD-NCR) conducted a Workshop- easily comprehensible and adaptable Evaluation of the Training Modules by the participating urban poor used for Training Urban Poor leaders which ensured empowerment Leaders. among the sector.

Participated in by fifteen (15) FOD- Further, FOD-NCR identified the NCR personnel, the activity was held following topics for trainings: Basic at Caliraya Resort Club, Barangay Orientation Seminar on Executive To monitor the effectiveness of the new Lewin, Lumban, Laguna on June 4-6, Order 82 and Republic Act 7279; training modules, FOD-NCR will regularly 2013. It provided an opportunity to Leadership; Organizational conduct impact evaluation after each exchange views and experiences in Management; Mediation and Paralegal. training and orientation. (Romila B. Portes)

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.

Leaders of Palawan Laguna Ms. Beth Avila The Field Operations Division for Luzon lined up 22 trainings in different provinces, cities and municipalities. From Mr. Obet Bonifacio January to mid May 2013, 6 trainings Mr. Victor Allan Ilagan were already conducted. With a budget cost of P 152,564.00, 254 urban poor Mr. Willy Siena leaders benefitted from the program. As

Cabanatuan City Baguio City Ms. Olympia Micor follows:

No. of Date Area/Venue Module Participants

March 14, 2013 De Luxe Hotel and Restaurant, Burgos Street, Cabanatu- Leadership, Effective Communication, RA 7279 (Section 27 43 an City & 28) and UDHA Monitoring

April 3-4, 2013 Haring, San Agustin Court and Baras Elementary School Understanding and Managing Conflict 44 Covered Court, Canaman, Camarines Sur April 11, 2013 Function Room, Baguio Holiday Villas, No. 10 Legarda Orientation on Conflict 38 Road, Baguio City Management April 19, 2013 DWYNS La Paz Bachoy Function Hall, Junction 1, Brgy. Formulating Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives, Consti- 30 San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan tution & By Laws, Teambuilding & UDHJA Monitoring May 7, 2013 Heroes Hall, Magdalena Subdivision, City of San Fernan- Understanding and Managing Conflict 46 do, Pampanga May 23, 2013 Multi-Purpose Hall, New Municipal Building, San Pedro, Organizational Management, Leadership and Basic Orien- 53 Laguna tation on Accreditation 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) 4

nursery and crop management. Urban Community The green onions in worn-out rubber shoes. On May 8, 2013 at the Guadalupe Gym, Brgy. Gardening Guadalupe, , the Laguna Neighborhood Association, Inc. and St. Vincentville Homeowners Association, Inc. won Potted vegetable plants hang around the the first prize, which will share among houses in Laguna Neighborhood Association, themselves the cash amounting to P30,000.00. Inc. (LNAI) at Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City. Outside Second prize winners are the Pundok their houses upland kangkong, okra, tomatoes, Kauswagan sa Lower Lomar (PKSLL) pechay, eggplants and string beans cover Homeowners Association and Rocky Hills several tiny plots of land. Green onions in worn Homeowners Association who received

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, The 1st prize winner of the Urban Gardening Contest, St. Vincentville HOA. The potted vegetable plants lined the alley leading to the community. tetra packs, plastic bags and even worn-rubber shoes as pots. The urban poor communities started seed bedding in February. -out rubber shoes lined a portion of the alley. P20,000.00, while the third prize goes to the This is the usual scene when one visit the The final judging took place on April 5 & 6, Creekside Homeowners Association and Villa community of forty-five (45) participating urban 2013. The criteria for judging are recycling and Fatima Homeowners Association that received poor organizations in Cebu City to the Urban waste utilization, community involvement and P10,000.00. Each major prizes had two winners Gardening Contest. sustainability, composting, landscaping and who will share the cash prices. (Turn to page 6)

“Sustainable Habitat, carpentry, furnitures are crafted out of scrap replicate what materials. During the tour, the tourists were they have seen Anyone?” serenaded by a rondalla. and experienced; they wanted to PVC pipes, empty wine bottles, turn their Fifty-one (51) urban soda cans, cable spools, tetra respective poor organization packs, crushed eggshells find its communities into leaders from Toledo way at the eco house. One will an ecologically City were given a feel amazed at how these garbage The vermi compost beds. balanced and chance to tour the could still be useful and be artful at sustainable habitat. They were happy that now famous that. they gained some insights on how to turn their Archival Eco House At the end of the tour, an garbage into something useful and be able to on December 1, environmental lecture followed. Engr. give their share on how to preserve our nature. 2012 as part of their Nestor Archival, a nature advocate and Training on Urban one of the driving forces behind the The office has established partnership with Farming. just concluded Urban Community Gardening Engr. Archival in transferring his knowledge Contest in Cebu City, emphasized that each one and spreading the love for environment among The eco house is located on Earth, Wind of us, in our own little way, can greatly urban poor dwellers. To date, nine (9) and Sun Compound, Brgy. Talamban, contribute to creating a sustainable habitat by capability building trainings were conducted by Cebu City and sits in a 7,000 square-meter practicing PCUP together with Engr. Archival. It created property. Once inside, you will be religiously awareness to three hundred forty-six (346) informed by the tour guide that it is the three urban poor leaders in the cities of Cebu, divided into three (3) sections, namely: (3) R’s, Toledo, Lapu-Lapu, Naga as well as the goatery, vermi compost beds and namely: municipalities of Minglanilla and Lilo-an. carpentry. At the goatery section, as the reduce, name connotes, there are goats that you The next time you finish that Diet Cola in can, reuse and can feed and pet. The vermin compost you may think twice if you will throw it in the recycle. beds housed vermi-worms which turned garbage bin or bring it home, imagine The leaders organic waste into nutrient-rich vermi something artsy out of it and be a responsible wanted to casts. On the other section, the The soda cans used as railings. nature nurturer. You bet… (Arlene D. Tudtud) 5

PCUP CHAIR PANGANIBAN AFFIRMS SUPPORT TO “BUILDING BACK BETTER PROGRAM OF DAVAO ORIENTAL” PCUP Chairperson Hernani B. Panganiban As a result of PCUP’s presence to the Prov-IAC and other related activities, affirmed the call of Governor Corazon PCUP Team Marilou A. Tarona and Bessie Mae Tronco have successfully Malanyaon of Davao Oriental to respond to endorsed two (2) projects to the International Labor Organization (ILO). the needs of 20,000 families –Typhoon Pablo survivors identified as priority beneficiaries for The first project is cash for work employment generation for 208 families permanent shelter in the municipalities of (1,040 individuals more or less ) in Barangay Lamabajon, Baganga, Davao Baganga, Boston , Cateel and Caraga. This Oriental which will be completed by June 15, 2013 . All workers are covered was during his visit and meeting on April 25, with health insurance and accident coverage for one year, PhilHealth for 6 months and Social Security System (SSS) coverage for one month. 2013 with the Governor and other key leaders from different national government agencies, and urban poor leaders from Davao del Norte representing the Island The second project is funded by Garden City of Samal, Tagum City and Panabo City and the City of Mati held at the the United Nations Development Capitol Conference Hall. Programme- Phils (UNDP) for the

As a positive action and commitment to support the urgent need of the affected training on carpentry and families, Chair Panganiban committed to make a follow-up and track all decorative crafts and livelihood commitments to the Office of the President (OP). Likewise, he will bring the matter including the establishments of a during the cabinet cluster meetings where PCUP is a member to expedite the titling carpentry/sawmill with organic of properties identified for relocation/resettlement sites and other concerns. fertilizer facility cum resource center for 50 workers. This will indirectly contribute to the production of Moreover, PCUP Chair has approved the focused presence and support of the materials for the construction of 2,000 shelters for the said areas. 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 two projects cost is more than 5 Million Pesos. The Alliance of the much needed results to translate its mandate under Executive order (EO 69) Government Employees Cooperatives (ALGEMCO) in Region XI is the local Strengthening of PCUP most especially in the social preparation in the Provincial partner under the BBB of the Province. Local counterpart from the Provincial Inter-agency Committee (Prov-IAC) for security of tenure, adequate shelter, Local Government Unit (PLGU) / Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) employment and livelihood. 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)

to the World Bank’s 1st Conference on Social Inclusion and Alternative Livelihood “Building and Strengthening Partnerships with the Informal Waste Sector” held on for the Informal Waste Sector Project March 25-26, 2010 in the World Bank office, Ortigas, Pasig City. The National The PCUP and Solid Waste Management Association 4. Establish partnerships with private sector to Solid Waste Management Committee of the (SWAPP) signed a Memorandum of provide training and employment to members presented the National Framework Plan Agreement on 13 November 2012 in the PCUP of the IWS; and for the Informal Waste Sector to answer Conference Room at EDSA, Quezon City. 5. Develop and implement business enterprises the problem of unemployment due to the The Agreement focused on partnership to train, for the IWS closing of dump sites as a result of the develop and implementation of Republic Act 9003, also mainstream Earmarked for the project now dubbed as “Social known as “Ecological Solid Waste the informal Inclusion and Alternative Livelihood for the Management Act.” waste sector Informal Waste Sector” is a fund from the Social (IWS) into Hence, the Commission Development Fund (JSDF) the started to advocate on through the World Bank which PCUP Chair Hernani B. Panganiban and SWAPP government alternative livelihood for was released to the SWAPP as President Ms. Grace Sapuay signed the Memorandum system. the beneficiaries who are of Agreement witnessed by agencies. the administrator. The SWAPP is Conduct of PCUP orientation for Payatas “Mainstream” Alliance Recycling Exchange Cooperative, the waste pickers, a non-government agency means that the IWS shall be recognized and included January 11, 2013 mangangalahigs, working on the informal waste in the Department of Labor and Employment’s list of magbobote/ diyaryo, sector and the environment. .As a partner workers to be given securities, such as Philhealth, SSS, small junk shop owners, and eco-aide. PAG-IBIG, and so forth. agency, PCUP made important contributions in preparing the policies and guidelines for the fund The partner people’s organizations are Specifically, the agencies shall jointly undertake the utilization and framework of operations. The Linis–Ganda, a Cooperative of junk shop following: guidelines had been presented to the World Bank owners, and Payatas Alliance Recyclers’ for approval. 1. Training and capacity building for Enterprise (PARE) in Payatas dump site.

the IWS members; PCUP’s involvement In NCR, 2,000 IWS from the areas of 2. Strengthening of the IWS members in the Informal Quezon City, Pasay City, Taguig and in recycling cooperatives; PCUP Chair Hernani B. Panganiban discussing livelihood Waste Sector Makati shall be developed, and 1,000 3. Facilitate access of the IWS with the Linis Ganda Cooperative members on January 10, activities dates back from outside NCR including Visayas and members to alternative livelihood 2013 at PCUP Conference Room, EDSA, Quezon City from an invitation Mindanao areas. (Glenda T. dela Cruz) opportunities; 6

...Gardening PRE-DEMOLITION... (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 4)

Implementing Rules and Regulations must be strictly observed, and that the The cash award is sponsored by the PFI, the garden tools comes role of the PNP must be clearly set forth. from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Cong. Tomas Osmeña, while the seeds was provided by the DA. The following agencies must be represented during the Pre-Demolition Conference : the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the These community gardens will serve as model to the entire urban Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of poor community in the city. It is expected that every household will Education (DepEd), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the continue to do the same. This activity is an opportunity for livelihood National Housing Authority (NHA), the Presidential Commission for the Urban by earning money through selling their crop, aside from providing Poor (PCUP), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Local Government their family with fresh nutritious chemical-free vegetables. Their Unit (LGU) authorized to demolish or evict and other concerned agencies, children will early which must work in close coordination with one another. The PCUP shall learn the preside the conference and may call on the assistance of other agencies whenever necessary under the circumstances . importance of vegetable plants c. The details of the pre-demolition conference must be documented and/or and the recorded, summarizing the points of agreement and disagreements arrived at, vegetables itself and copies of these must be furnished to all parties concerned . not only in books d. The pre-demolition conference notice must be issued to the PNP no later than and pictures but seventy-two (72) hours prior to the intended date of demolition or eviction. In seeing it real The 2nd prize winner of the Urban Gardening Contest, no case shall the pre-demolition conference be held within the same before their very Cebu Rocky Hills HOA. prescriptive period. own eyes juxtaposing their On the same date, May 2, 2012, Former Secretary Robredo also wrote to PCUP Chairman Hernani B. Panganiban, requesting assistance with regard to his love to take good care of the nature. Beyond this, they have inspired directives and indicated therein the Commission’s role in the implementation. their neighbors, even the rich communities, to cultivate their gardens to grow their own vegetables. 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 On top of it all, it helps the nation in the reduction of household must be drafted in order to have an efficient implementation of the said directive. garbage and recycle urban waste into livelihood towards an After series of review and discussion of the Draft Guidelines, the same was finished ecologically balanced community. (Arlene D. Tudtud) last December 2012 and was signed on January 30, 2013. (Maria Elena M. Manila)

PAGHANDAAN ANG PANAHON NG TAG ULAN HANDA NA BA KAYO?

Tag-ulan na  Ayusin at itago na ang mga mahahalagang hotlines na ito: naman kaya dokumento sa waterproof box o kailangan  PNP : 117 by: Ed lalagyanang hindi agad napapasukan ng maging Tubig  PHL RED CROSS : 143 / 527-0000 handa sa mga posibleng dala nito. Sa panahong  PHL COAST GUARD : 527-6136 / ito ay maraming bagyo ang tumatama sa bansa.  Pag-aralan kung paano mapapatay ang 5273877 Kaya importanteng paghandaan ang panahong kuryente sakaling bumaha sa bahay ito upang mabawasan ang pag-aalala at maging  Mag-imbak ng tubig at pagkain na tatagal  NDRRMC : 911-1406/912-2665 ligtas sa mga sakunang dala ng tag-ulan. ng 3 araw  MMDA : 136 / 0917-5618711

Ito ang mga tips namin upang hassle-free at  Ihanda ang mga kakailanganing gamit  PAGASA : 433-8526 sakaling lumikas maging ligtas ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan:  MERALCO : 16211  Sakaling mag-brownout, gumamit ng  MAYNILAD : 1626  Ayusin na ang mga butas sa bubong at mga transistor o de-bateryang radyo at crack sa bahay flashlight  MANILA WATER : 1627  Alisin ang mga nakabarang bagay tulad ng  Manatiling makinig at manood ng mga  DepEd : 63-728/6337208/6341925 tuyong dahon o sanga sa alulod ng bahay balita sakaling may bagyong paparating  CHED : 4411216  Magtambak ng mga buhangin sa mga  Maghanda ng first aid kit sakaling may Sundin lamang ang mga tips naming ibinigay mabababang bahagi ng paligid ng bahay masamang nangyari sa isa sa mga kasama upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating sarili pati  Sakaling may ikalawa o higit pang palapag sa pamilya o kaibigan ay agad malulunasan na rin ang mga mahal natin sa buhay. Iba na ang bahay, iakyat na ang mga bagay na nasa  Maglaan ng pera upang may panustos ang parating handa kaya paghandaan natin ground floor upang hindi mabasa ng baha Panatilihing naka-charge at may load ang ang panahon ng tag-ulan. (Source: The ang mga kagamitan  cellphone upang magamit sakaling may Filipino servant)

 Linisin ang mga baradong kanal upang kokontakin upang hingin ng tulong. I-save Posted in : Buhay Pilipino, Life Threats, Nation, News maiwasan ang pagbabaha sa cellphone ang mga mahahalagang Tags : disaster preparedness, Tagulan tips. 7

Commissioner’s Corner PCUP Media Affairs

“To realize our societal goal of inclusive growth, one of the innovative Presidential reforms of this government is the strategy of planning and budgeting Commission for from the ground up. This bottom-up approach aims to institutionalize the Urban Poor the participation of the poor in government processes and decision disseminates making---from planning to implementation and monitoring of and programs and projects. Their real development aspirations will be communicates included when they have meaningful participation in the process. By urban poor doing so, the economic gains we are achieving now, will have its related news translation in the human development status of the marginalized.” and information to the public through its Media Affairs. It works in building rapport through television, radio, press RIC O. DOMINGO release and internet. It assures the urban poor and Commissioner 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 "Urban Poor deserve to enjoy the inclusive growth of our country. well-informed, inspired and get involved on what is Asset Reform programs must keep abreast to the current and relevant going on with the sector. issues of the urban poor. It is timely to adopt an integrated city-wide approach that mobilizes broader social and technical support through PCUP was interviewed in radio programs, appeared in television and released several urban poor news larger network, rather than project based approach. Also, we need to articles. News and interviews focused on PCUP develop housing subsidy policy that encourage on-site, in-city or near updates, demolition and eviction, relocations, city housing, because it does not require additional investments on livelihood programs, issues on squatting syndicates, infrastructure and public services." and other urban poor related concerns.

CIPRIANO M. FAMPULME On January 30, 2013, the Commission conducted a Commissioner Press Conference on Pre-Demolition Conference *PDC+. PCUP Chairman, together with the four Commissioners, representative from Department of We are happy and proud to publish the maiden issue of PCUPdates. My Interior and Local Government *DILG+, and the congratulations to the editorial and production team. Philippine National Police (PNP) attended the event.

Since PCUP's creation in December 8, 1986, then President Cory Aquino PCUP participated in trade fair and exhibit hosted saw the need to create a government agency, among others, to advise by Kabisig Mindanao Foundation, Inc., where all her on matters of policies and programs and to be the link of government agencies and instrumentalities government to the ballooning urban poor sector and vice versa with featured their respective programs and services. the purpose of addressing urban poverty brought about by rural stagnation resulting to urban migration, unplanned urbanization, The PCUP Media erroneous policies and mismanagement, and long time neglect of past Affairs participated in governments that brought havoc of marginalization and massive malls exhibit where it could showcase the dislocation to urban poor sector which we call now informal settlers. Commission’s While it somehow moderately performed its mandate, PCUP is here to show cause in its functions on policy mandate, programs review and recommendation, monitoring of government anti-poverty programs/projects like the and services. PCUP is government resettlement sites and more importantly the capacity building of the urban poor sector as a regular member of provided in its expanded mandate in Executive Order 69. This is crucial in effecting the long expected the Kabisig Mindanao Foundation, Inc. whose fundamental change in our government to become more effective in giving solution to poverty and primary goal is to help bring together in one venue homelessness thus improving the lives of the urban poor and the whole nation in general. all government agencies and instrumentalities, GOCCs and GFIs where it could feature its The present administration of President Noynoy Aquino offers a lot of opportunities. While vent to push for respective profile, service facilities, programs and more policy reforms, more resources are made available and more mechanisms are in place for people's projects, products and accomplishments. PCUP participation not just to push for policies and programs but in having a say in the budget of national participated in this exhibit for two consecutive years government agencies through the bottom-up- budgeting (BUB). There is the P50B on-site housing fund for now. The first one was held at the Activity Center, the 104,000 Informal Settler Families living in eight (8) major waterways of metro manila that would SM Fairview in 2012 and at the Megatrade Hall2, somehow pave the way for a long term and permanent solution to urban congestion, pollution, calamities SM Megamall on June 10-12, 2013 with the theme including criminalities and hopefully urban poverty. “Kaalaman ng Mamayan: Kabalikat sa Matuwid na

Daan.” (Grace Eusebio-De Polonia) 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. Special Thanks to Mr. Joel C. Cruz, our guest

editor, for his valuable assistance in the MA. JOY B. JARABELO preparation of PCUPdates. Commissioner 8

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.

Sa nakaraang taon, maganda rin pong mabanggit na ipadadala sa malalayong lugar na malayo rin sa kaunlaran. Ngayon, ang mga higit na tumibay ang ugnayan ng inyong hanay sa komunidad na kanilang lilipatan ay hindi lamang ligtas, kundi ginagawa ring pamahalaan, at lalo pang naipanday ang kakayahan abot-kamay ang ginhawa. ng inyong mga kasamahan - hindi lang sa pag-aangat ng sariling kalagayan - kundi maging sa pag-aambag Iisa pa rin po ang punto nito: ang mabigyang—lakas tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran ng mga komunidad. ang mga maralitang taga-lungsod sa paghahandog ng

Bukod sa mga isinasagawa ninyong trainings at press sapat na kaalaman at mas malawak na pagkakataong conferences, nagagalak po ako sa mga naging resulta makiisa sa paglutas ng mga problemang panlipunan. ng inyong Urban Poor Summits sa mga munisipalidad, lungsod, o rehiyon sa bansa. Ayon Naniniwala pa rin tayong hindi balakid o pabigat ang mga nasa laylayan ng nga po sa inyong tala, umabot na sa halos 4,800 lipunan. Sila mismo ang ating katuwang sa pagtataguyod ng mga komunidad; urban poor organizations ang nakikiisa sa inyong sila mismo ang dapat bigyang-tinig at lakas upang sabay-sabay na mapaangat programa. Kinakatawan ito ng mahigit ang sambayanan; sila mismo ang makikiambag sa malawakang pag-unlad. dalawandaang libong urban poor families sa buong Ngayon po, higit kailanman, tinatawag tayo upang lalo pang magkaisa, Pilipinas. Ibig pong sabihin, sa mga pagpupulong na magtulungan, at kumayod para sa susunod na mga taon. Ito na po marahil ang ito, daang-libo ring maralitang taga-lungsod ang pinakamaganda nating pagkakataon upang tugunan ang mga hamon na nabibigyang-kaalaman at tinig sa mga usaping tulad kinakaharap ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod. ng asset reform, ebiksiyon at demolisiyon, at mga programang pangkabuhayan at pangkaunlaran ng Si Secretary Jesse Robredo na po mismo ang nagsabi, "For this country to ating pong gobyerno. succeed, we need to make heroes of the ordinary people. We need to make heroes Iisa pa rin po ang punto nito: ang mabigyang-lakas of ourselves." Sama-sama po nating patunayan ang natatanging husay, ang mga maralitang taga- lungsod sa paghahandog pagmamalasakit, at angking kabayanihan ng mga karaniwang mamamayan. ng sapat na kaalaman at mas malawak na Kasama ang buong puwersa ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod, ipamalas natin pagkakataong makiisa sa paglutas ng mga ang lakas at bisa ng bayanihan sa pagtaguyod ng mas maunlad na bayan. problemang panlipunan. Noon, para bang inetsapuwera ng gobyerno ang informal settlers - (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.