Members of the urban poor sector and cause-oriented groups in Bacolod City staged their annual Kalbaryo ng Bayan yesterday, marching from Rizal Park towards the Fountain of Justice, stopping in key downtown areas for a brief reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ.

KAISAHAN-Negros chairperson Amalia Perez said the presentation on the street hopes to awaken government officials to the worsening plight of the people, especially the urban poor.

She said the government has miserably failed in its duty to provide adequate social services, housing, health and livelihood to the people resulting to the deterioration of democracy in the country.

Perez said that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should sacrifice her position and step down and pave the way for a transitional council to govern the affairs of the government.

Arroyo’s continued occupation of the presidency buries the people deeper into the pit of economic deprivation and makes the cross of economic woes heavier to carry everyday, Perez said.

However, she said they are still hoping for an economic resurrection, the day when the members of the urban poor will be liberated from their suffering.

Felipe Gelle, secretary-general of BAYAN-Negros who also joined the march towards the Foundation of Justice, said the creative presentation is a reflection of the real situation in the country.

He said they will continue to march in the streets to call for social change, hoping that someday, economic freedom will be attained by the masses.*NAB

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