On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of Super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November 8, progressive groups and survivors of calamities led by People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors marched in protest in front of Malacanang (Presidential Palace). This was a timely commemoration amidst the series of typhoons that devastated the Philippines in the past two months.

The group demanded justice for victims and those affected by Yolanda last November 2013 under the Aquino II regime.  Yolanda is considered the strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines and the world. Not less than 6,300 died and 1,062 went missing due to torrential rains, wind and storm surge and floods. 

The Global Climate Risk Index 2015 listed the Philippines as the number one most affected country by climate change, using 2013’s data. 

“A decade has passed and several administrations changed, but preparation against calamities due to climate change have not been attended to,” declared People’s Surge. The group was established in Eastern Visayas where Yolanda devastated the most.  It took the lead in the rehabilitation, struggle and demanding accountability of previous administrations.  According to People’s surge, after Yolanda it seems that the government didn’t learn its lessons and continued to aggravate these disasters by approving destructive projects like deforestation of forests, widespread quarrying and mining, and reclamation

As of November 14, five typhoons hit the Philippines. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report, the combined number of people affected by the five storms is more than 9 million people or around 2.4 million families. Records have yet to determine how many communities have been forced to evacuate multiple times. More than 617,000 people remain displaced, of which 160,000 people are in 590 evacuation centers (EC) while 460,000 people are temporarily staying elsewhere.

“Our countrymen has not recovered due to the negligence of Marcos Jr.,” said People Surge.  Instead of accepting accountability in the disastrous and incompetent preparation and response to typhoons, the government hypes the so-called “resiliency” of Filipinos in the face of calamities.  Adding insult to injury, politicians take advantage of calamities by distributing dole outs to promote their electoral agenda.

In a related development hundreds of protestors participated in the “Prayer March for the Environment, Justice and Truth” in Lucena City last November 8.  The mass action was participated by church peoplle, local government officials and groups defending the environment and residents of affected communities affected by river quarrying and projects that are destructive to mountains and forests. #