A decade after Yolanda, survivors have to grapple with the absence of reliable and potable water supply, inadequate housing space and absence of certificate of ownership, high transportation costs, limited income opportunity and food insecurity, and absence of clear mechanism to hear grievances.
The lack of support to agriculture has forced farmers to accept low pay, insecure informal work or odd jobs.
“While we remember Haiyan, we must not forget the bigger picture. Haiyan will occur again if we do not address the underlying vulnerabilities of the people.”
“Typhoon Yolanda tested our commitment.”
“Instead of adequately addressing the sustainable livelihood needs of the farmers, the government trample upon the economic and human rights of the farmers. Following reports of indiscriminate firing from the military, farmers are forced to flee from their homes and sources of livelihood.”
Yolanda survivors criticized the Aquino government’s privatized rehabilitation which puts premium on big businesses over the interest of the poor disaster survivors.
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective After President Aquino was pressured to put a stop to the random opening of balikbayan boxes by the Bureau of Customs to look for something to tax, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina did not even sound apologetic. He was quoted saying, “Why can’t we not be honest?” He was even blaming…
“Many victims were disqualified simply because of their residence location and receipt of little aid from local officials.”
The strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Philippines, November 8, 2013, damaged over a million houses and left over four million people homeless. Bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of helping each other, literally builds homes and communities in this Yolanda-stricken area.
“Why are the Aquino government’s police brutes so intent on preventing us from putting to practice what the Pope himself has preached?” – Sr. Noemi Dagala
“We hope the simple gesture of welcoming Pope Francis with a humble ribbon, in contrast to the layers of expensive and expansive print banners by businesses and politicians, would help fellow Filipinos understand the spirit of the Pope’s visit.” – People Surge