Celso vows continued support to urban poor programs

30/11/2009 08:42

Thousands of people yesterday participated in the Solidarity Walk, a kick off activity for the Urban Poor Solidarity Week in Zamboanga observed Nov. 29-Dec. 4.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, who was the guest of honor during a program that followed the hour long walk from Pettit Barracks to the JFE Memorial Complex in Baliwasan, warmly greeted the urban poor sector, as he vowed his administration’s continuous support to all urban poor plans and programs.

He urged the urban poor sector to say solid and united to be able to realize its mission of improving the plight of each and every member.

The city government, he said, is all set to assist urban poor associations in their land acquisition projects and is willing to help facilitate the connection of light and water facilities to areas intended to be converted to housing areas.

Organized by the City Land Housing and Management Division under Rodrigo Pagotaisidro, the Urban Poor Solidarity Week activities are pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 367.

The Solidarity Walk brought together over 5,000 members of urban poor associations, homeowners organizations and beneficiaries of community mortgage program projects, local housing fund projects, direct negotiated projects and socialized housing projects.

Other activities during the week include the awarding of 22 housing units in Tulungatung undertaken jointly by the city government and the Gawad Kalinga foundation on December 1st; and the culminating activity and convention of urban poor association presidents and leaders on Dec. 4.

The culminating event will be highlighted by the awarding of titles to fully paid beneficiaries; awarding of P1 million down payment to the landowner; awarding of the letter of guarantee by the Social Housing Finance Corporation; awarding of winners of the Solid Waste Management Program tilt; mass induction of officers of four organizations; grand finals of different competitions and the awarding of winners to the raffle tickets initiated by the Comunidad de los Lideres Local Multipurpose Cooperative.

Also present during the program yesterday were Lobregat’s running mate Councilor Cesar Iturralde and some members of the Lobregat-led Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) slate both in districts 1 and 2. (Sheila Covarrubias)