Owing to the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, it is not excused to any disasters, especially that of any water-related ones. Also, since the Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, seismic activities, earthquakes, tsunamis and other volcanic disasters are common occurrences.
The months of November has been a venue for four climatic disturbances in the Philippines. Supertyphoon Rolly (internationally known as Goni), severe tropical storm Siony (internationally known as Atsani), Tropical storm Tonyo (internationally known as Etau), and Typhoon Ulysses (internationally known as Vamco) all wreaked havoc in the south Luzon islands in a span of only weeks, leaving many homes flooded, many people and animals dead, and main sources of livelihoods affected. However the recent typhoon Ulysses has affected most, especially parts of the National Capital Region where human-height level floods reached houses as the Marikina River and other dams surpassed the normal water level.
The aftermath of the typhoon Ulysses brought Filipinos to question the ‘resiliency’ that the Philippine community has since held everytime disasters like these devastate the islands. This ‘resiliency’ is further criticized since lax preparation and notice resulted in the current situation.
First, although the weather bureau, PAGASA, already announced the trajectories and the strengths of the typhoons, Filipinos say that there have been lack of warnings for Malacañang and criticizing President Duterte for his indifference towards those who might be possibly affected by the typhoons. Duterte even cited that “Binabawalan ako ng ng nagbabantay sa akin: PSG, lahat, doktor. Hindi ako makalabas. Sabi ko naman gusto kong magpakita sa tao, ang sabi nila bantayan yung pagkatao ko. Kasi ako yung Presidente,” Duterte said. (Translation: I was not permitted by the PSG and the doctors to go out. I said I really wanted to be with the people, but they said [PSG and his doctors] that I should be wary of my health, because I am the President.) This sure solicited resentment from the people who were largely affected by the floods. The local government units are also left to fend for themselves and are forced to approach the private sector for help, rather than soliciting help from the national government.
Because of this lackluster performance of the President before, during, and after these disasters, #NasaanAngPangulo (translation: Where is the President?) trended on most social media sites to denounce the efforts of the Philippines.
Such lack of warnings also pointed out to the closure of the largest network ABS-CBN which can reach those in the far-flung areas especially those affected in the Catanduanes and Bicol regions. Without this important source of news, people were relatively not prepared for the impending danger. Apart from these is the fact that evacuation centers can be a coronavirus hotbed especially now that the pandemic still continues to ravage the country.
Disaster risk preparedness was also criticized. Even though the agency NDRRMC has sent countless messages and warnings, the diminished budget of the NDRRMC to ensure the protection of people during disasters has withheld most Filipinos of the basic rights to be given proper disaster management and relief assistance.
Since the Philippines is a cradle of most climate disasters, should the Philippines have at least made a comprehensive plan on disaster risk reduction and management? Filipinos pushed for a climate resilient community that targets overall urban planning and climate action plan. A project like the Project NOAH should be funded again to tackle related problems in disaster management. Housing and resettlement issues should be addressed especially those living in areas prone and more susceptible to floodings. Philippines can also get its lessons from Japan which is also a country in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Moreover, climate-resilient infrastructures should be tailored to the vulnerable populace. City services should be mapped for proper access to amenities especially in the face of disasters. The existing National Climate Change Action Plan of 2011-2028 should interconnect with other multifaceted societal, cultural and economic issues of the Philippines. Most of all, it is important that leaders be more mindful of what service they can give to its citizens.
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