News Release
03 March 2010
Members of GABRIELA, a national alliance of women’s organizations, tagged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the “number one homewrecker” as they trooped to Mendiola Bridge today to strongly condemn the administration’ s gross failure to provide the people even the most basic of social services like housing.
According to the group, the current administration only allocated a measly P3.5 billion for the fiscal year 2010 to supposedly cover the need for 3.7 million housing units; 500, 000 of which is for the National Capital Region alone.
“By simply doing a quick math with the given figure, it is very clear that Arroyo is not serious about providing every Filipino household a roof above their heads. What kind of shelter could be made out of such allocation?” said Emmi de Jesus, second nominee of Gabriela Women’s Party and Vice-Chairperson of GABRIELA.
The group also lamented that relocation sites of demolished communities have been totally neglected by the government. “It is bad enough that the government treats housing projects for the poor as business rather than service but it is even more deplorable how maintenance of these housing projects are totally neglected by the government. Families living in relocation sites constantly live in danger,” added de Jesus.
Most of the women protesters came from relocation sites in Manila and Quezon City . They complained that their residences have become dilapidated due to government’s neglect. Residents of Katuparan Housing Project in Vitas, Tondo said their tenement buildings are considered extremely unsafe but the National Housing Authority (NHA) continues to ignore their demand for rehabilitation.
The protest is part of the week-long women’s protest action leading to March 8 International Working Women’ Day where thousands of women are expected to join the militant action to be lead by GABRIELA.
“On March 8, Filipino women who had enough of Macapagal-Arroyo’ s anti-women and anti-people rule will gather to signify our intent to end Gloria’s rule,” said de Jesus.
Reference:
Emmi de Jesus, GABRIELA Vice Chairperson/ Gabriela Women’s Party Nominee
