Ondoy-Ondas - Press Release - English

PARTIDO LAKAS NG MASA-QUEZON CITY (PLM-QC)
ALYANSA NG MARALITA NG QUEZON CITY (ALMA-QC)
111-D Malakas St., Quezon City, Tel. 4343947

Press Release
October 31, 2009

ONDOY-ONDAS
Remembering the Dead Victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City

QUEZON CITY, Oct. 31 – Residents of Bagong Silangan in Quezon City marched from the evacuation center in Barangay Bagong Silangan covered court to the site Binhi ni Abraham and countryhomes where many residents died, and recited a responsorial psalm about their plight as victims of typhoon Ondoy a month ago. They lit candles and recited poetry, in remembering their loved ones and those who died in the typhoon, while calling for in-city relocation and jobs for the affected residents.

According to William Cerdeña, resident of Brgy. Bagong Silangan and also representing ALMA-QC, “We will not forget. Remembering the dead, most especially our loved ones, is in our culture. But this time we remember those who met their untimely death because of typhoon Ondoy, deaths that should not be if the government only has advised the people of the coming typhoon so they can prepare for the worse. The government always blame the poor and don’t look at their faults. The urban poor are the victims here and not the cause.”

Cerdeña added, “Fifty-two (52) persons from our area died because of Ondoy, and we are still searching for more than 40 missing residents, which until now cannot be found. As of now, there are still about 75 families occupying the Brgy Hall covered court as their evacuation center, and the city government, through the SSDD (social service development department) of QC Hall, has already cut necessary support to these families.”

He further added, “We call for our government for an in-city relocation and an on-site development. Negotiation first before eviction and demolition until a safe, affordable, accessible, habitable housing with security of tenure has been provided the poor.”

For media interview and other details, please contact William Cerdeña of ALMA-QC and a resident of Brgy. Bagong Silangan, QC, at 09182252016