“THE coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and related containment measures have exacerbated urban inequalities, making the urban poor among the sectors gravely affected.”
This was stressed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as the provincial government observes this year’s Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW).
Lacson, during the program held at Marhil Covered Court in Barangay Poblacion in Bago City on Friday, December 3, said that due to the pandemic and with many urban poor working in the informal sector, many have been left without jobs and income, and some were compelled to work in unsafe conditions to survive.
The governor also stressed that with the observance of the Urban Poor Solidarity Week, everybody needs to understand the problems caused by urban poverty and to forge cooperation with agencies and stakeholders to solve such problems.
“The provincial government is looking for ways to protect your welfare. We really recognize your work and contribution to society, he added.
The UPSW is observed by virtue of Proclamation No. 367 declaring December 2 to 8 every year as “Urban Poor Solidarity Week.”
In Negros Occidental, the activity was spearheaded by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and City Government of Bago, through the Federation of Bago City Association of Basic Sectors (Febcabs), and in coordination with the Provincial Government.
It aims to promote greater understanding of the issues and problems on urbanization, urban poverty, squatting and other related concerns.
Also, it aims to foster unity, dialogue and cooperation among government agencies, non-government agencies and the urban poor communities in specific programs and projects for the alleviation of urban poverty.
Also present in the activity were Fourth District Board Member Jose Benito Alonso, Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Febcabs president Danilo Carinal and other local officials, among others. (With Capitol reports)