“We are disheartened as we see images of our people in Eastern Visayas – thousands of dead bodies, missing loved ones, destroyed homes. We are enraged that days since Yolanda devastated the region, government support is wanting. Where are the billions of pesos in calamity funds? The survivors are resorting to looting in order to survive.” Ferdinand Gaite, Courage
‘Local municipalities need to take up a “climate adaptation” program in their disaster preparedness…’
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat Perspective Typhoons Ondoy, Pedring, Sendong, Pablo, two freak monsoon rains, and now Yolanda have resulted in too much disaster, too many lives lost, too many houses and infrastructure destroyed, and too much suffering. The unfortunate thing is this would not be the last. According to an Associated Press report, which was…
“We should link arms for typhoon survivors. Let us show our solidarity: let us hold big assemblies, light candles, pray and take action. Let us send a powerful message of unity and hope.” – Vencer Crisostomo, Anakbayan
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“We’re a country that encounters over 20 typhoons each year yet up until now, the national government has yet to install a clear and rational disaster plan that puts premium on disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction. Despite the allocation of a P7.5 billion ($174 million) calamity fund for 2013, the absence of proper disaster battle plan that should be created and installed by the national government to mitigate disasters renders the billions of pesos for calamity fund questionable.” – Kabataan Party Rep. Terry Ridon
Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the strongest typhoon ever recorded, has wreaked havoc to provinces of Visayas. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as of Nov. 10, 6 a.m., 151 individuals were killed, 5 missing and 22 injured. Photos from Cebu Photos from Negros Photo courtesy of CITIZEN’S DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER