Do no harm

MANILA, Philippines - The lack of planning in urban development is a major contention which caused the massive flooding. Part of this urban planning is the need for decent shelter for the poor. But since the government fails to recognize the value of the poor in urban development, we have no option but to live in danger areas.

We were never anti-development as this elite government projects. We believe that we have the right for a decent shelter instead of forcible relocation in some area without employment or access to livelihood. Decent shelter is a basic policy of the government that Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. should have known as he aspires to head the state.

The Filipino unity is inspiring, we know that we are not facing the tragedy of tropical storm Ondoy alone. But then, since we are from the danger zone, the government should not put us in harm by putting us in the death zone. — ROMY CABUGNASON, Chairman, Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino