“Balsa may be the biggest relief caravan we have ever conducted, involving at least three regions and hundreds of volunteers. Over the past week, the mass movement here and abroad have been collecting relief goods, other forms of assistance for the people of Eastern Visayas and Panay.” – Renato Reyes, Bayan
Before they could start rebuilding their lives, survivors of Typhoon Yolanda have to account for their missing loved ones first. Sadly, the Aquino government made it clear that searching for survivors beneath the rubble is not its priority.
On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) hit the Philippines and left thousands dead and millions more homeless in its wake.
While Yolanda survivors arrive in droves in Manila and Cebu, there are those who embark on a journey back to typhoon-ravaged areas to know about the fate of their families and kin. Will they find relief or sorrow when they arrive in their hometown?
RELATED STORY | Relatives of Yolanda victims express worries, anger over slow government response
“The government is so incompetent that it even allowed the conduct of relief, rescue operations to be undertaken by foreign troops.”
BY JOHANN ARPON Bulatlat.com They were able to protect their picket line but the vendors of the Tacloban City market knows that it was a temporary victory and that they are in for a long struggle. Meanwhile, they have reconstructed their picket line and candles continue to light their nightly vigil. They are convinced that…