By Anthony A. Araos
Ifugao folks never guessed the real cruel intentions super typhoon Uwan had for them. The end line of Uwan’s devastation is a sad one when it was revealed that there were nine casualties. This poverty-stricken province registered the nation’s highest number of fatalities.
How to go back to a normal life after a very destructive typhoon? We can help you! I’m sure this is the message of highly-placed officials.
Several villages of the towns of Banaue and Tinoc received recently relief packs from Vice President Sara Duterte. She has so far partnered with a number of LGUs on this concern. In this case, Vice Governor Martin Habawel assisted her in said municipalities.
“Salamat” for the food packs, the villagers said. Salamat is a Tagalog word for thank you- and oh, what indeed is a big help to these impoverished folks.
Ensuring the provision of food packs (with rice, noodles and canned goods) is so vital for far-flung villages, which are essential for delivering vital meal needs to thousands of Filipinos.
The assistance is surely most helpful to these towns that bore the brunt of Uwan’s wrath. What about the others? Ifugao was placed under a state of calamity. Henceforth, I’m sending a letter to Vice President Duterte to do the same for Barangays Burnay (in Lagawe), Cababuyan Norte (in Hingyon), Haliap, Panuptuban and Pula (in Asipulo) and Talete (in Aguinaldo).
I am praying food packs would still significantly lessen typhoon victims’ pains. There are still many other villages in need of aid that were hit by this severe typhoon. Well, I’m not the president, governor or Superman to help them. Let’s leave that to your officials, most especially the moneyed ones. The problem is even beyond Ifugao’s borders.
The Philippines is the most disaster-prone country in the world. The 2022 World Risk Index report has tagged the Philippines as the most disaster-prone among 193 countries, with extreme vulnerability to destructive typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flash floods, storm surges and landslides. There’s no question disaster-relief missions can help in a big way in a critical-saving operations.
There are young individuals who displayed remarkable faith in not giving up on this hapless people, through these initiatives, most especially in these challenging times. One of them is Damiano Aggihao Jr. who works at the vice governor’s office.
Of course, apart from these short-term food packs scheme, leaders in the public and private sectors shall learn more from these disasters. The effects of deforestation are already here with us. Cutting these trees is an unconscionable act. Ifugao LGUs should adhere in strict environmental measures, especially on forest lands. Prioritize reeducating mayors, vice mayors, councilors as well as barangay and SK officials to arm them with intellectual fortitude in the drive against “kaingin” and environmental degradation. I think people should recognize that past programs such as “Muyong” should be continued. Have the courage to change the mindset, discard outdated, senseless, stupid beliefs! For one, the mountains are to shield Ifugao from typhoons. Doesn’t it ensure that folks are potentially safe with science-based explanations? Time to make sense in Ifugao. Go beyond your comfort zone! Be discerning of the “acts” of moneyed politicians because of their ulterior motives!
Critical budgetary allocation for disaster relief in 2027 that address the needs of folks in rural Philippines is very important. It is high time for Ifugao to promote responsible governance to manage its resources sustainably. What on earth do I mean? If not, Ifugao could quickly get into a catastrophic situation. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
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