Palace: Govt addressing slum problem step by step

Malacañang on Sunday assured the public it is addressing the problem of slum dwellers step by step, with those living near waterways and danger areas being the top priority.

 

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this has been the position of the Philippine government in recent weeks, especially now that the rainy season is here.

 

“Nakikita natin in recent weeks the government has been talking about getting informal settlers out of danger areas. 'Yan ang una nating priority given they are in danger areas. Sila muna ang ating ilikas at iligtas,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

Once this is done, she said the government will then focus on other slum dwellers “down the line” who may want to avail of government housing projects.

 

She was commenting on reports quoting the United Nations as saying that the number of slum dwellers may hit three billion by 2050.

 

The UN warned this may be the case if rapid urbanization is not addressed.

 

On the other hand, Valte said the government will concentrate on other informal settlers once it removes those living near danger areas.

 

“Down the line tingnan natin kung ano pa ang pwede magawa for those who may want to avail of the housing the government offers,” she said.

 

But this early, she made clear the housing units will not be for free, although there will be a subsidy from government.

 

“While there is a subsidy there is a certain amount that has to be paid by families who wish to avail of the housing,” she said. —KG, GMA News