Thousands of urban and rural poor in need of aid amid flooding
The combined effects of Tropical Storm #CarinaPH (international name Gaem) and the intensified #Habagat or southwest monsoon all the more exposed the vulnerable state of Filipinos in times of calamities. “Bahang-baha sa Bagong Pilipinas. Thousands are in need of aid especially those residing in low-lying areas in the National Capital Region and Luzon provinces.
Based on our monitoring, thousands are already affected by heavy flooding due to non-stop torrential rains in Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas and several parts of Cagayan and Bicol regions. Rescue and evacuation operations are underway. Millions are in need of relief assistance.
While Filipinos are naturally resilient, we must make accountable those in authority who are responsible for this dehumanizing situation that we are in right now — roads are impassable, entire communities are flooded, and even local government units are now overwhelmed by the flooding situation.
KMP is seeking an explanation on what happened to the Department of Public Works and Highway’s (DPWH) multibillion budget for flood control? This year, the agency has P255 billion in flood control projects, but most of Metro Manila cities and nearby Luzon provinces are now deep in flood. In 2023, the DPWH had a daily budget of P1.079 billion for flood management. What happened to the multibillion budget for draining water and dredging rivers? Nasaan ang pondo para pigilan ang mga pagbabaha?”
The group said government-approved projects such as reclamation, land-use conversion, logging, and mining also contribute to the worsening flooding in the country.
“Tayo-tayo lang ang magtutulungan.” KMP and food security advocates are seeking in-kind and monetary donations for farmers, fisherfolk and rural poor affected by the flooding. KMP’s Sagip Kanayunan and BAYAN’s Bayanihan Alay sa Sambayanan relief operations and soup kitchen activities will start in the coming days, weather permitting. ###
updates from the peasant movement of the Philippines 