The Akibat Desk of the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) held a Kapihan session with some residents in barangay Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City last November 24, 2023.The short huddle was set right in the middle of the barangay’s busiest streets which has drawn an  enthusiastic crowd of vendors, senior citizens, and housewives. 

Over coffee and fresh pandesal, the citizens of the barangay shared their daily struggles amid the rising prices of commodities and insufficient wages. Among the issues raised were social welfare programs and underemployment. 

While the residents came from diverse backgrounds, it was a common sentiment that making ends meet is extra difficult in present time.. Despite the availability of several government aid and interventions,, the residents complained that it cannot sufficiently alleviate their daily woes. “Pare-parehas naman tayong may karapatan sa pera ng bayan…hindi puwede na ito meron, siya wala…dapat pantay-pantay,” shared one resident. 

The Kapihan is envisioned to be the first of many activities to be conducted by Akibat with Brgy. Guadalupe Viejo. From the insights gleaned during the session, the Desk hopes to embark on more meaningful workshops and projects with the community moving forward.