Advocacy group People’s Surge has denounced what it describes as the Marcos Jr. administration’s “incompetence” in its response to the recent typhoon, which has wreaked havoc across multiple regions.
The group claimed the government’s actions fall far short of what is needed to address the widespread destruction and displacement brought about by the storm.
Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami) has affected over 315,000 families, or nearly 1.5 million people, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Regions hit hardest include Bicol, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan, and Samar. Despite initial efforts, government agencies have struggled to manage the disaster, with authorities reportedly “overwhelmed” by the scope and scale of the damage.
People’s Surge pointed to the administration’s failure to translate its international commitments and financial pledges into meaningful action on the ground.
Although the government recently touted its leadership role in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) and its involvement in the United Nations Loss and Damage Fund Board, the group’s statement argued that these positions have not translated into effective disaster management domestically.
The Marcos administration has allocated PHP 215.64 billion for flood management and PHP 543.45 billion for climate change mitigation efforts in 2024, but these allocations have been criticized as “hollow” given the catastrophic effects of the storm.
The advocacy group also raised concerns over the government’s environmental policies, citing the promotion of large-scale mining, quarrying, and reclamation projects.
These activities, according to People’s Surge, have intensified the vulnerabilities of communities already facing the brunt of climate change, leading to more severe disasters and economic displacement, particularly among marginalized groups like farmers, fisherfolk, and the urban poor.
