Braving the storm

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno shares grief and sympathy with the victims of supertyphoon Frank that swept the country this weekend. As of this writing, more than 80 people were reported to have died from the storm. 

In these times of heavy calamities, the main victims remain to be our needy and poverty-stricken population. Left with the least protection from such natural disasters, deprived with the basic right for appropriate housing, pushed at the hindsight of government priorities for ‘development,’ majority of our people face extreme vulnerability and danger when confronted by natural and man-made calamities alike. 

During a time when the people are painstakingly struggling with worsening economic conditions, such typhoon is a very unwelcome addition to our burdens. But facing natural disasters could have been easier and safer if not for the Arroyo administration’s skewed priorities. 

We call on government to do more than quick-fix responses when such storms already hit the nation. Arroyo should address the need for proper infrastructure, adequate housing, enhanced transportation and communication facilities to ensure the people’s safety from typhoons. Given the present advance in technology, it is absurd that these are not used for the protection and advancement of the majority’s welfare. 

Until then can we brave the storms.###