Ex-squatter in QC urges other informal settlers to accept govt housing

“Kung ako sa kanila, kaysa tumira sila sa gitna ng kalsada e, magpasya na silang lumipat dito kasi kawawa sila diyan 'pag inabot sila ng bagyo.”

This was the statement of Venerando Norcio, who used to live along Agham Road in Quezon City. Norcio's family is among the 250 families whose homes were demolished last week to pave the way for a road-widening project.

Instead of protesting alongside their neighbors, the Norcios and some 120 other families opted to accept the government's offer for subsidized housing in Rodriguez, Rizal.

"Mabuti naman po at nagkaroon kami ng mabuting matitirahan kaysa doon kami sa gitna ng kalsada,” Norcio was quoted as saying in a television report aired on GMA News Tv's “Unang Balita” on Tuesday.

“Nanibago siyempre kasi napalayo ka sa hanapbuhay mo. Nangangapa ka pa, hindi mo pa kabisado e,” he noted.

The former informal settler in Quezon City lived on Agham Road for about 15 years. Every month, he paid P800 for his rented portion of a shanty.

In his new home, he will not need to pay mortgage for the first year, as part of the moratorium set by the government.

“Sabi nila kasi huhulugan namin ito. 'Yung inuupahan namin [doon], wala pang kalahati nito,” said Norcio.

After the first free year, for the next five years he is expected to shell out P200 monthly. The fee will then be increased gradually until he finishes payng for the house and lot in 30 years. 

According to the relocation sites' engineer, Eraño Valete, a temporary line for electricity and water were provided, while they are still processing to have a permanent line of utilities within the area.

“Actually, 24-hour service na ang tubig at kuryente. On-going na 'yung pagpoprocess na permanenteng linya sa Meralco, ganun din ho sa Manila Water,” he was quoted as saying in the same television report.

Last week, the Quezon City demolition group and the police engaged in a clash with informal settlers who refused to leave their homes on Agham Road. Some 29 individuals were hurt among the protesters, while nine government officers were injured. — Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/BM, GMA News