“Seeing and living with Yolanda survivors first-hand tells us two things: one is that the Yolanda survivors have been doing their best to live and survive and face the aftermath of Yolanda. Two, is that the Aquino government and the ruling local elite are themselves like storm surges that devastate the people more by their neglect and shameless profiteering.” National Union of Students in the Philippines
“Due to lack of livelihood, children are sometimes hungry, and they are deeply concerned for their parents’ well-being, sense of pride and job opportunities.”
“This government is a disaster. We are rising from the ground to take charge and end this disaster.”
People Surge enumerated “six persisting injustices” being committed by the Aquino government on Typhoon Yolanda survivors.
People Surge’s white banners were joined by the green and red banners of members of Balsa and Barug Katawhan from Mindanao.
One year after Yolanda, the survivors including the women are praying not just for the eternal peace of their dead relatives’ souls.
“Various people’s movements and humanitarian organizations have been hard at work for almost a year in various bayanihan (mutual aid) efforts for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Meanwhile, the Aquino government continues to hide behind these initiatives in a clear attempt to abandon its mandate to ensure the people’s right to housing and other social services.”
“While it can take a long time for rebuilding to occur, the emotional impacts can take even longer to resolve, especially for children.”
“We feel that the Aquino government has let the people down. There are many who continue to suffer five months after the calamity, and the government’s reconstruction is inherently anti-poor.” – Sr. Edita Eslopor, spokesperson of People Surge.
“Secretary [Mar] Roxas should come to his senses and stop the Office of the President and Ping Lacson from carrying out this all-time high brutality and wholesale disregard of people’s rights and welfare.” – Pamalakaya
“The No Build Policy arbitrarily bans dwellings within prohibited zones without social acceptability, feasible relocation, and livelihood alternatives presented to the displaced families.” – Clemente Bautista, Kalikasan PNE