Akbayan Party
Here we go again.
In less than two months, our country has been hit by yet another typhoon. After Typhoon Carina devastated the Philippines in late July, now Enteng has left millions of Filipinos scrambling once more.
At least 10 lives have been lost, floods have paralyzed the metropolis, and landslides have ravaged nearby provinces. Our farmers, still reeling from Carina’s destruction, now face the daunting task of starting over from scratch.
Hanggang kailan ba tayo ganito? How long must Filipino families brace for danger, when the real issue lies not in the typhoons themselves, but in our institutions’ weak preparation and lack of long-term strategy?
Enteng is already the fifth typhoon this year, and scientists have warned that two or three more could hit us within this month alone. We urge all relevant agencies to act with greater urgency.
While we mobilize resources to assist affected communities, Akbayan Party reiterates its call for a coordinated, sustainable, long-term, data-driven climate plan. Increase funding for our scientists and relief workers. Invest in infrastructure and technology that allow flood-prone areas to recover swiftly, and develop similar strategies for areas facing flooding for the first time, to prevent panic and ensure no one is left behind. The current budget season is an excellent opportunity to re-align priorities and go through existing proposals on flood control and climate readiness.
Bagyo na ang ating matagal nang karanasan—huwag tayong magpakulong sa paulit-ulit na cycle sa pagreact lamang sa kalamidad. Let’s build systems, structures, and practices that anticipate and mitigate their impact. Let us not confuse resilience with poor preparation.
True resilience is not just enduring suffering; it’s the ability to recover and learn from it.
