Poor communities inside and around the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City held two assemblies in recent weeks. In these meetings, residents strengthened their unity against UP’s plan to evict them for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Wellness Park project.

Organizations of residents from affected areas Pook Aguinaldo, Area 17, and Malantik attended the meetings on January 11 and 18. Student groups from UP Diliman and progressive organizations in the city joined and expressed support.

The UP SDG Wellness Park is a UP administration project, packaged as a space for learning, a pro-environment endeavor, and as a service to the students and community. The project includes the construction of a golf driving range, “eco-friendly” facilities, and other structures.

According to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Quezon City, UP began surveying the affected areas as early as 2025. The group said UP gave the residents no explanation about the project and has no clear relocation plan for those to be displaced.

They added that tents have reportedly been set up around the communities to monitor the surveys. In some cases, the Quezon City Police District joined the land measurements, heightening residents’ fears, the group reported.

“This project is clearly without proper knowledge or consultation and runs counter to the mass-oriented spirit of the university,” the UP Diliman University Student Council stated. The council stands with the residents in opposing the project.

According to Bahagui Nating Isko, a youth volunteer group supporting Pook Aguinaldo, students and UP communities must unite against the project. “It only gives way for privatization and commercialization,” the group declared.

The communities assert their right to the land, emphasizing their decades-long of living there. Area 17 resident Kuya Dione said, “We’ve been on this land since our ancestors’ time. The government has the duty to give us decent housing, but we endure shanties just to survive and have a place to sleep.”

He also urged other residents and nearby communities to join the fight, warning that the UP SDG Wellness Park’s coverage area could further “expand.” “We must now fight and think deeply as residents living here,” he said.

Residents currently continue efforts to stop any direct attempt by UP to evict them. They reported building barricades in their communities to block UP personnel from entering.

Bayan-Quezon City called on its member organizations and city residents to join the struggle against the project. “Stop the SDG Wellness Park, including the planned bike lane and urban farming project! Resist harassment and intimidation of residents!” it declared.