The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands with disaster victims, women’s organizations, climate activists, and rights groups in holding the state accountable for its role in the destruction and displacement of communities, livelihood, and environment. The government’s support for large-scale mining companies, prioritization of corporate interests, and neglect of its responsibilities to the Filipino people have left many in a dire state.
While still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Carina (Gaemi), only a few weeks ago, the Philippines has been hit with another disaster. Typhoon Enteng (Yagi) caused massive floods and landslides in many areas of the country. This relentless cycle of climate disasters hit women and children the most. With limited or no access to basic social services and resources, they are particularly vulnerable to displacement, joblessness, and health and safety risks.
Recent tragedies highlight this vulnerability. In Rizal, a mother, who was about to go to work in the middle of a storm, lost her home and two sons in a landslide. Another landslide in the same province claimed the life of a pregnant woman who was expected to give birth this month. In Bicol, a 9-month old infant drowned.
The massive infrastructure projects the Marcos Jr. administration shamelessly funds and supports make these communities increasingly prone to climate disasters. Despite this reality, a huge sum of funds in the proposed 2025 national budget have been allocated to further fuel destructive projects instead of assistance and services to mitigate and respond to these disasters. Large-scale mining and quarrying projects run rampant which ultimately destroy communities making them even more vulnerable to devastation.
CWR enjoins all Filipinos to continue to demand swift government action and assistance, and at the same time, hold duty bearers accountable for their neglect of these responsibilities. We urge everyone to scrutinize the 2025 national budget and demand allocations that benefit the most vulnerable. Together, let us ensure that every peso of the people’s money will be allocated to services that benefit the most marginalized, rather than serving narrow interests of a few. #
* CWR alongside other grassroots and civil society organizations is initiating relief efforts to provide immediate aid to families affected. We appeal to compassionate individuals and organizations to join us in supporting those in need. For those who would like to contribute, you may contact us at cwrgrl@gmail.com or 0953 478 0468.
