(Simeon said) “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke2:29-32)
Aling Mena has led her community of estero dwellers along the Estero de San Miguel just outside the high walls of San Beda College. I had visited aling Mena and her community many times. Usually, there was some occasion and I was requested to say mass. Sometime after Christmas last year, all the houses of aling Mena’s community, including hers were razed to the ground. This happened a few days after talks between aling Mena and the heads of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission broke down. Aling Mena has fought for onsite development as the best option for her community. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission thought differently. And then, the fire takes place. Shortly after the fire the community of Benedictine Monks of San Beda College writes a letter to Mayor Lim asking him to make sure that the estero dwellers will not be allowed to rebuild their “shanties” along the estero just outside the walls of San Beda College. This letter did not sit well with aling Mena and her community. It also did not sit well with the members of the Urban Poor Associates.
While bright flames rose as houses made of wood and cheap building materials were eaten by a fire, over and around the fire floated dark and gloomy clouds. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and the San Beda College, both reputable institutions were not too friendly towards this community of the urban poor. While darkness seemed to emanate from the compound of the holy monks who insist that the Mayor should prevent the estero dwellers from coming back, light is spread by the determination, enthusiasm and unity of the fire victims who immediately began rebuilding their homes. Shortly after the fire, I was back to aling Mena’s community. This time, it was not a very pleasant visit as I was toured around the black and charred area where houses used to stand. I saw men and women, the elderly and the young quietly rebuilding their homes. There is sadness but there is also a lot of fervor as each member of the community chose to act proactively rather than sit in a corner feeling sorry for herself.
The positive and proactive energy of this community is a result of the leadership of aling Mena and the tireless support of the staff and volunteers of the Urban Poor Associates. When you consider certain groups, individuals or entire sectors as problematic and a nuisance, this attitude need not be expressed in words. It will be felt through your body language or even your silence. It is difficult to fake what is in your heart. More than eighty per cent of our people are poor. The biggest sector of city dwellers is urban poor or citizens who do not own their houses and the land on which they stand.
Housing is a right. Of course, when it comes to housing, some seem to have more right than others. I am sure you know what I mean. The cost of real estate in cities is most prohibitive. Even those in the middle or upper middle classes of Philippine society will spend most of their professional lives paying mortgage. Is there really an honest to goodness “housing program” for the poor? Is there a genuine comprehensive program for the people who are mostly poor for that matter?
Today as we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, as well as the feast of the Candles, Lumen Christi, I thank the Lord for Aling Mena of Estero de San Miguel. I thank the Lord for Alice and Dennis Murphy and the staff of UPA who have continually inspired me to see where true and lasting light comes from…
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