Residents of Agora, Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina successfully blocked the planned demolition of their homes last October 15. Marikina congressional representative Marcy Teodoro promised to relocate them to Donya Petra, Barangay Tumana. Residents said this is only an initial victory because the relocation and settlement arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Over 53 poor families face possible eviction from “Agora harap” despite more than 40 years of residence. In 2023, over 30 families have already suffered demolition and are now crowded into tents within the barangay. About 55 more families living deeper within Agora also risk losing their homes if the demolition proceeds. The local government has been urging them to leave the barangay in exchange for ₱20,000. This amount is far from enough to build a house.

A court order for demolition was issued in 2022 but the residents’ resistance postponed its enforcement. The Agora compound consists of houses between the Marikina Engineering Office and the Marikina Transportation Office along Gil Fernando Avenue. The Castano family claims ownership of the land near the Marikina Engineering Office.

On the night of October 14, along Gil Fernando Avenue, known as Marikina City’s “food strip”, residents set up a camp to guard their homes against the planned demolition of their community. The residents held a program to strengthen unity in their struggle. Gabriela Women’s Party representative Sarah Elago, and Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)’s Mimi Domingo expressed their solidarity.