Philippines - Citizens’ Action is Best Response for Disaster

“This is the best time possible to show our fellow Filipinos that Bayanihan (community) spirit engrained in all of us,” said Bello, saddened and surprised by the catastrophe of Biblical proportion that hit the country.

“We have always taken pride in being the most hospitable race in the whole world; here is our chance to display that hospitality by sharing anything we deem necessary in alleviating the current situation of our fellow Filipinos devastated by the floods typhoon Ondoy brought,” added Bello.

Metro Manila and nearby provinces were brought down to its knees by floods from rains spawned by typhoon Ondoy with Rizal Province being hit the hardest. Search and rescue operations continue as wide parts of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces remain submerged under water, evacuation centers have been put up to temporarily house almost half a million displaced people

Because of the unforeseen devastation, even the national government failed to cope with the influx of emergency calls while resources of non-governmental emergency groups are fast being depleted. Seeing that even the efforts of the government and non-government organization will not be enough to cope with the emergency situation, Bello reiterated his call on every citizen in the country to help.

“Nanawagan ang Akbayan sa sambayanang Pilipino na magbigay sa abot ng kanilang kakayanan upang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Bello said. “Hindi sapat ang kakayanan ng ating pamahalaan para tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta, kinakailangan talagang kumilos ang taong bayan.”

Bello was also quick to entreat 2010 election candidates not to use the current devastation as opportunity to campaign. “It is also grossly inappropriate to use disaster response and relief operations as campaign opportunities for people running in the 2010 elections.”

“We can blame government officials for their corruption of public funds and resources in the same way that we can blame individuals and private companies for lifestyles and practices that slowly destroy our environment, but this will not feed the hungry, nor will this save lives” Rep. Bello added. “We must put all our political differences and aspirations aside and pour all our energy and resources into looking after people who have been devastated by this disaster.”

AKBAYAN is organizing a relief drive for Marikina, Cainta, Malabon, Pasig, Escopa and Tatalon. The following items are badly needed:

• Ready to eat food (rice, boiled egg, bread, easy to open canned goods)

• Water (bottled, or in 10-gallon containers)

• Blankets and towels

• Clothes

Volunteers are also needed to help pack and deliver the items.

If you wish to help, you may call or text: +632 - 925-58-43/ 09175381816, or visit the Akbayan office at #36 b Madasalin St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.###

email: secretariat@akbayan.org

http://www.akbayan.org/



An appeal for assistance after floods

By Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)

Typhoon Ondoy swept through the Philippines on Saturday, September 26, displacing some 250,000 people and according to the most recent reports, has left some 86 people dead. Urban centres, such as Metro Manila, were also badly affected with over 80% of the city under water.

In some areas the water was around 4'-5' deep. Apparently one months rainfall poured down in a matter of a few hours.

We are conducting relief operations through our own networks and we are appealing for funds to support our relief work. The typhoon has now cleared and today we will be assessing the situation based on reports from our organisers on the ground. This will also include getting information on the state of the government's disaster management response.

Reports are coming in about the inadequacy of the government's response -- in some areas people are still waiting for rescue operations to get to them and in other cases people are still waiting for food assistance.

According to one of our organisers, around 30 people are buried in the mud in an urban poor community in Payatas and there is still no sign of assistance. This means that the media reports of the casualties are clearly under-reported.

We are also receiving reports of some children of one of our members having perished in the floods as a result of electrocution —– an especially dangerous problem during flooding. Our hearts go out to Alin Linda.

We will also be conducting local mobilisations over the next few days to ensure that people get adequate relief support.

We are appealing for donations from our overseas friends and networks to assist with our relief operations Please send donations to the following NGO associated with our networks.

Transform Asia

Account Number: 3042304004562

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Bank Name: Metro Bank

Address: Anonas Branch, Caly Building, Aurora Blvd cnr Castillo St, Project 4, Quezon City, Metro Manila

The office address for Transform Asia is 25 F Calderon St, Project 4, Q.C. Metro Manila, Philippines.

Please indicate that this is for 'Flood Relief'

In Solidarity,

Reihana Mohideen

International Desk

Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)

(Power of the Masses Party)

111-D Malakas St., Brgy. Central, Quezon City

Tel. +632 434-3947

partidolakasngmasa@gmail.com