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Disaster victims gather, urge Philippine government to prioritize people over profit

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Children play in the middle of a flooded road in Manila’s central district of Quiapo in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. (Photo by Joe Torres)

Disaster victims and survivors gathered on Oct. 13 to call for justice, accountability, and compensation for the ongoing environmental and man-made disasters they are facing.

The newly formed PEOPLE SURGE – Alliance of Disaster Victims and Survivors for Justice and Compensation was introduced at a media conference in Quezon City, aiming to amplify the voices of those most affected by calamities and environmental degradation.

The launch of the alliance coincided with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, which the Philippine government will host from Oct. 14 to 18 in Manila. 

“We are here to hold accountable those who have neglected their duties and to demand that our government prioritize people over profit,” said Eco Dangla, spokesperson of the group.

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Victims and survivors of disasters in the Philippines hold placards demanding justice, accountability, and compensation at the launch of PEOPLE SURGE – Alliance of Disaster Victims and Survivors for Justice and Compensation during a media conference in Quezon City on Oct. 13, 2024. Photo supplied

At the conference, disaster victims shared their stories. Ricardo Bagonggong of Cavite recounted the devastation caused by a fire that affected 1,400 families and raised concerns about the displacement of residents due to the LRT Extension project. 

“They are destroying our homes and means of living. We stand united in demanding compensation and the right to return,” he said. He also highlighted the impact of reclamation projects threatening local mussel farmers’ livelihoods.

Aries Soledad of PAMALAKAYA-Cavite condemned reclamation projects for worsening floods and destroying fishing communities. “Reclamation projects are killing fishing communities,” Soledad said. “In July, oil spills in Manila Bay hit our communities. We have yet to see accountability.”

Maricar Libantino, who lost two children in Typhoon Enteng, blamed government negligence. “The sudden flooding of Antipolo could have been prevented. We demand justice and accountability,” she said.

Raquel Orpella of SIKKAD 3K, criticized quarrying in Rizal, calling it a “man-made disaster,” while Narod Eco of AGHAM, pointed to poor disaster governance and watershed degradation as root causes of many calamities. He called for science-based, community-driven solutions.

The launch of PEOPLE SURGE is seen as a pivotal moment in the fight for disaster justice. The group urged global leaders to listen to survivors and take meaningful action to protect vulnerable communities.

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