UP denies home demolition reports, defends housing project

MANILA — The University of the Philippines (UP) administration denied reports of home demolitions in Pook Malantic, Barangay UP Campus, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

UP stressed that no demolition order had been issued and that the activities that sparked tensions in the community formed part of a government-backed housing project intended to benefit informal settler families (ISFs) and university employees.

In a statement released on July 10, UP said that reports claiming that homes were scheduled for demolition on July 8 were inaccurate.

UP clarified that Megawide Construction, the contractor of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), only intended to fence the perimeter of an area designated for transition housing. “There was no demolition ordered or scheduled on that day.”

The statement was issued after residents of Pook Malantic formed a human barricade to stop the entry of construction personnel and vehicles amid fears that the operation would lead to the demolition of homes and the displacement of families. Reports showed residents linking arms to block the project site while demanding clarity on relocation plans and the future of their community.

Housing project at the center

UP said that the area is part of a rental housing initiative being implemented with DHSUD under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

According to UP, temporary housing units will be constructed on-site for at least 26 ISFs affected by the construction of low-cost rental housing later this year.

UP stressed that the project would not displace residents from their community. “With on-site relocation, no ISFs will be displaced from their community.”

UP said that it entered into an agreement with DHSUD to build 2,000 rental housing units for university personnel and ISFs residing on campus. This is part of a broader housing program that the university and the housing department formalized through an agreement signed in late 2025.

Earlier this month, DHSUD and UP Diliman unveiled a model housing unit under the Southern Diliman Gardens Rental Housing Project which officials said would eventually benefit thousands of residents, university employees, and ISFs.

Fears and opposition

Community organizations and advocates linked the tensions in Pook Malantic, Pook Aguinaldo, and Area 17 to broader concerns over land use, housing security, and livelihood loss.

Residents and support groups criticized UP’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Park project, arguing that communities and farming areas face threats of displacement in the name of development.

Tinig ng Plaridel, official student publication of the UP College of Media and Communication, previously reported that residents from Pook Aguinaldo, Area 17, and Pook Malantic expressed concerns over the possible loss of homes and livelihoods as plans for the SDG Park moved forward. According to the publication, residents questioned whether projects promoted as sustainability initiatives address the welfare of long-time community members.

UP, however, stressed that the housing project and the SDG-related developments are intended to improve living conditions within the campus and support marginalized sectors through housing, livelihood, and community programs.

Ownership and responsibility

“UP is indisputably the owner of the land,” the university said, citing court decisions that affirmed its ownership of campus properties.

UP pointed to a 2016 Supreme Court ruling that warned against spurious ownership claims over university land and noted that some individuals were misled into believing that portions of the campus could be sold or privately owned.

UP said that it has a legal obligation to protect and utilize its land for the benefit of the UP community while addressing the needs of vulnerable residents living within the campus.

Beyond housing, UP said that it plans to provide livelihood training, urban farming support, educational programs, and other initiatives for affected families.

Calls for dialogue

Despite denying that any demolition took place, UP acknowledged the tensions that unfolded in the community.

The university said it was saddened by the confrontation involving residents, private security personnel, and police officers. “We recognize the pain and anxiety this incident has caused despite the intention to maintain peace and physical safety.”

UP said that it would continue conducting consultations and dialogues with stakeholders regarding the housing project. According to the university, previous consultations drew support from families seeking improved housing conditions. (RTS, DAA)

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