Overpass or Dumping Ground? A Harrowing Encounter at Mandaluyong's Reliance Pedestrian Overpass

     

After an overnight shift at work on January 25, 2025, I experienced an incident that shed light on a pressing urban social issue. A kind colleague offered me a ride and dropped me near Fame Residences along Boni Avenue MRT station to save me a bit of fare. From there, I walked the rest of the way home—a mere 10-minute journey along EDSA, using the Reliance Pedestrian Overpass in Mandaluyong City.

What seemed like a convenient shortcut turned into a disturbing encounter, exposing the neglected state of public infrastructure and the deeper challenges faced by a marginalized sector of our society.

The Disturbing Scene

As I approached the pedestrian overpass, I was met with an overwhelming scene of neglect and disorder. The staircase and walkways were littered with trash, food leftovers, and even human feces. Swarms of flies buzzed around, the stench was unbearable, and broken glass littered the path, making the overpass not only unsanitary but hazardous for pedestrians.

Adding to the chaos were makeshift shelters created by the homeless—cardboard, old tarpaulins, and abandoned belongings scattered everywhere. Vandalized messages directed at the barangay authorities were also visible, seemingly left by those displaced during recent clean-up operations.

Mixed Feelings: Empathy and Frustration

At first, I felt sympathy for the homeless people who have turned the overpass into a makeshift dwelling. It’s a harsh reality that they are part of a neglected sector in our society, left with little to no support system. These individuals don’t choose to be in such dire circumstances, and their plight reflects a systemic failure to address homelessness.

But as I walked further, the frustration set in. The overpass—built for pedestrians like me who pay taxes to fund public infrastructure—had been reduced to an unsafe, unsanitary space. It was evident that no efforts were being made by those occupying the area to keep it clean, adding to the inconvenience and risks faced by regular commuters.

It made me question: Is this negligence on their part a form of protest or simply disregard for the shared spaces we all rely on?

A Call for Balance and Accountability

This situation underscores the broader issue of fairness and accountability. While the plight of the homeless demands empathy, it should not come at the expense of others’ safety and convenience. Overpasses are public infrastructure designed for pedestrians, not makeshift shelters.

Local authorities, such as the barangay and LGU of Mandaluyong City, need to step up. Regular maintenance, stricter enforcement, and alternative solutions for the homeless are essential. Temporary shelters or relocation sites need to be provided to address the root cause rather than pushing these individuals from one place to another.

For the homeless community, there must also be a sense of shared responsibility. Leaving the area in a hazardous state only fuels resentment from the very society that could advocate for their rights. Respecting shared spaces is a step toward rebuilding trust and sympathy.

Conclusion

This post is not anti-poor; it’s a plea for fairness and mutual respect. The overpass serves a vital function for the working class who rely on it for safe passage. Neglecting its upkeep and misusing it creates a ripple effect of inconvenience and safety risks for others.

It’s time for both the authorities and the homeless sector to work toward a solution that benefits everyone. Fairness, empathy, and accountability must coexist to create a city that is inclusive and functional for all its residents.

Footage of the Scene

To better understand the situation, I’ve included footage of the overpass during my encounter. I hope this helps shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue.

🎥 WATCH THE VLOG:

Let’s raise awareness and push for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive urban environment.

#ReliancePedestrianOverpass #SocialIssues #UrbanNeglect #FairnessForAll