Category: disasters

anderson cooper et al are doing victims a favor

Posted by Boo Chanco on Facebook
14 Nov around 1 pm

I now doubt the validity of calls to stop criticizing government’s slow pace of relief operations. it looks like criticism, specially if coming from foreign media, is just the thing to get our bureaucrats to get a sense of urgency. Seems to me, Anderson Cooper and the rest of the CNN and BBC reporters on the scene are doing the victims a lot of favor. We ought to unite as a people to get through this tragedy but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t point out how things could and should be made better along the way. As for the quality of our national leadership, that is a given already and we have enough experience with them to know their capabilities. There should be time enough to deal with them in 2016. As for now, constructive criticism like what the foreign and yes, local media reporters are doing should be fine.

In the Philippines, clouds of a different colour

… It’s often said that Filipinos habitually elect bad leaders because of our short memories of the past. But as temperatures and sea levels rise, resources grow more scarce and population increases, the effects of corruption and irresponsible planning promise a difficult future. It seems unlikely that our present politicians can lead us against such inevitabilities.

When the news cycle moves on from Haiyan and returns to the Senate investigation, the spotlight will again fall on familiar faces: Senator Juan Ponce Enrile was once the lap-bulldog of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Senator Jinggoy Estrada is the son of former president Joseph Estrada, who was ousted and convicted of plunder. Senator Bong Revilla, a popular actor, is the son of a former senator and movie legend. They, along with dozens of other politicians and officials, must now answer to accusations that they plundered public funds earmarked for reconstruction and development.

Alas, for Filipinos, this is an old, familiar story. Just as deadly typhoons are an annual reality.

To the international community, I urge you to donate what you can through reputable channels. And to the millions of Filipinos at home and abroad, let’s use this tragedy as a reminder to take our leaders to task. What’s at stake is nothing less than our future.

— Miguel Syjuco

“the PERFECT time to criticize”

Posted by Erin Denise Chupeco on Facebook
13 Nov 3:30 pm near Manila ·

To everyone bitching about why we shouldn’t be criticizing the government and just help out instead:

1. This is the PERFECT time to criticize. I don’t know about you, but I am sick and fucking tired of the same goddamn story every time a typhoon comes our way five or six times a year: no funds in the budget because government officials wanted a Porsche, or I’m the president but it’s not my fault I’ll just pass the blame onto the cities for not being prepared because passing blame is the ONLY thing I’ve passed in my fucking term so far….

2. Constantly not speaking out about this in the past is the reason we’re all in this shithole. When you know something’s not right, the worst thing you can do is to shut up.

3. I can criticize AND help out at the same time, fuck you very much. If you’d rather not say anything because the current status quo is more important to you than accepting the need for things to change, then YOU’RE part of the problem.

“the risk of travelling to Leyte by land carrying a truck full of relief goods”

katrina received this private message from Arianne Corrine Cinco via facebook.
12 Nov 1:37 pm

Hi Ms. Katrina. I’ve been following your updates on Typhoon Yolanda and I turn to you now because I am frustrated with the lack of news regarding the towns of Tanauan and Tolosa in Leyte.

My cousin, Jojo Advincula, travelled on different buses from Manila to Samar and on foot from San Juanico bridge to Tolosa, Leyte to reconnect with our relatives. He arrived in Tolosa on the 10th but he was unable to see any of our relatives and family because of the chaos. He walked back to San Juanico Bridge without speaking to any of our family members.

I was able to get a hold of him today and he reported the lack of rescue operations in these towns. He said that people are going hungry.

I am also monitoring a Tolosanon forum with 2,000 members but no one can confirm that relief goods have reached Tolosa.

When I first heard about the typhoon, I prayed that my fellow Leytenos and their properties be spared. Then the news trickled in and I no longer cared about property damage; I just wanted my family to survive. I know in my heart that they are okay. And my wish is for them to hang tight until we can send them the help that they require. Please help me ensure that Tolosanons receive the help that they need.

I still haven’t heard from my grandmother, Generosa Advincula, my aunties, Celerina and Mansueta Advincula, and my cousin, Shazien Advincula. They are all from Malbog, Tolosa, Leyte.

If you have any information about Tolosa and Tanauan, please post it on your wall. I will keep following your Facebook wall for updates.

PS:

My cousins and I are arranging for trucks loaded with relief goods to travel from Manila to Eastern Samar and Leyte. Two trucks have left this morning. My cousins have been advised by their mother (stranded in Borongan, Samar) not to push through with any more trucks as private vehicles are being held up in Samar. We are looking for 3 more drivers so that when we get the signal to go ahead, we can deploy the trucks as fast as we can. We will pay the drivers until the mission is completed. Unfortunately, we do not have any takers because of the risk of travelling to Leyte by land carrying a truck full of relief goods. I’d appreciate it if you can let me know if anyone is interested.

I applaud your efforts for gathering information and keeping everyone updated on towns that were hit just as hard as Tacloban. Thank you so much.

Kind regards,

Corinne