By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Quezon City government strongly condemned the violence that marred the clearing operations along NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan on Thursday, leaving at least 20 police officers injured after being pelted with bottles, stones and other hard objects.
The city government, in a statement on Friday, commended the QC Police District for its “maximum tolerance and professionalism” despite the tense situation.
“Walang puwang ang karahasan at kawalan ng kaayusan sa ating lungsod (There is no room for violence and disorder in our city),” the city government said.
It said the violence also endangered the lives of the public and hindered the proper implementation of housing projects in the city.
Based on initial investigation, individuals “with personal interests” led the disturbance, including illegal occupants who reportedly rent out and make a profit from public land along NIA Road.
Also allegedly involved were housing beneficiaries who were previously relocated and are no longer qualified under the program, but continue to stay in the area.
“Hindi natin maaaring hayaang manaig ang interes ng iilan laban sa kapakanan ng nakararami. Sa maayos na pag-uusap, nagpahayag na ng suporta ang nakararaming residente sa proyektong pabahay (We cannot allow the interests of a few to prevail over the welfare of the many. In a discussion, majority of residents have already expressed their support for the housing project),” the statement read.
The local government assured that its housing program will proceed, emphasizing that legitimate residents will remain the priority beneficiaries.
The QC government said that of the 2,332 affected families, over 1,600 have already been certified to occupy units under a vertical housing development project targeted for completion within 18 months and for turnover by December 2027.
The city also reported that more than 200 families have opted for in-city relocation, while another 200 chose off-city resettlement, with assistance facilitated in coordination with the National Housing Authority (NHA).
Meanwhile, additional support measures will continue.
Financial assistance amounting to PHP60,000 for homeowners and PHP35,000 for renters and sharers have been provided in partnership with the NHA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In total, over PHP100 million were distributed as integrated financial assistance and rental subsidy, according to the city government.
The QC government and the DSWD will likewise provide additional rental subsidies for families included in the housing program.
It assured that the city continues to engage with the community on the possible extension of the use of evacuation centers to support families while they search for suitable housing.
Lease contract templates are also being distributed to affected families by the QC Housing, Community Development and Resettlement Department, which they can use for their temporary rentals — an important requirement of the DSWD for additional rental subsidy.
“Naninindigan ang Pamahalaang Lungsod Quezon sa layunin nito na mabigyan ng ligtas, disente, at abot-kayang pabahay ang bawat pamilya sa lungsod. Hindi natin pahihintulutan na hadlangan ng karahasan at pansariling interes ang proyektong magbibigay ng katiyakan sa paninirahan sa libu-libong residente (The Quezon City Government stands firm in its goal to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for every family in the city. We will not allow violence and personal interests to hinder the project that will provide housing security for thousands of residents),” the city government said. (PNA)
