08/11/2025
On November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda struck and devastated Visayas, resulting in more than 7,000 confirmed and unconfirmed deaths, making it the deadliest typhoon to ever hit the Philippines since Typhoon Uring in 1991. Eastern Visayas, being the first to get hit by it, suffered the most damageโboth at the cost of their livelihood and their lives. Twelve years after the tragedy, communities continue to rebuild and heal, holding on to the memories of the ones they have lost.
But in the 12 years since Yolanda struck, not much has changed when it comes to how the National Government and Local Government Units handle natural disasters in the Philippines. We have seen supposed flood control projects being proposed and built, we have read the amount of money that goes to every project, and we have all witnessed how it all failed in the face of just one strong typhoon. It has been 12 years since Yolanda and it has also been 66 days since the first Flood Control Project hearingโyet no one has been held accountable for the thousands of lives lost due to corruption and greed.
As we call for accountability and justice to those involved, we also extend our sympathy and solidarity on behalf of our friends in Cebu, Negros, and Palawan that have been struck by Typhoon Tino this week. Natural disasters are a common phenomenon in the Philippines but the lack of preparedness and sense of urgency in the National Government is becoming a threat to the lives of Filipinos. Our organization emphasizes and urges everyone to call upon the government for immediate action as Uwan, currently categorized as a typhoon, is set to cause another series of strong winds, rains, and possible storm surges. We can no longer sit back and let these disasters wreck what is left of us.
Resiliency is no longer an option when there could have been solutions.
Resiliency is no longer a compliment we should accept for their lack of service.
Resiliency is when we start pointing fingers at the ones lavishly sitting on their thrones as we hold on to our lives, one typhoon at a time.
We remember each life lost but we also remember the neglect and anger after it.
Dose na ka-tuig, nahinumdom pa kami.
