Philippines: Update on indignous peoples' situation after thypoon Yolanda
Almost a month after the typhoon hit the central Philippines, here are some updates about the situation for indigenous peoples in the country:
Palawan island There have been two waves of relief operation and distribution in the barangays of Dillan, Lajala, Banuang Daan, Tagumpay and Marcilla in Coron, Palawan. A total of 1010 families (7,206 individuals) of indigenous peoples received relief packs. Another relief operation will be held by next week in the town of Busuanga. The next phase of the relief mobilization will be focused on the rehabilitation of houses and livelihood for 1,300 targeted families.
Mindoro island There have been three waves of relief operation and distribution in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Livelihood rehabilitation of livelihood, alternative IP schools and houses for 2,000 families are about to begin. Panay island There have also been two waves of relief operation and distribution, which includes food packs and temporary shelter for indigenous families. At least 284 families were able to receive materials for temporary shelters which can be used for the next 2-3 months. On November 21, the indigenous peoples together with peasants and other marginalized sectors pushed for a dialogue with the local government. The governor of Capiz then promised to provide relief packs for 1000 families. While there is still an ongoing relief operation and distribution, preparations are being made for the rehabilitation of houses and livelihood of at least 1,000 families. Rebuilding lives, rebuilding communities The relief campaigns has been made by the network LINGKOD KATRIBU, TULONG SA KATUTUBO (Serve our Tribes, Help our Indigenous Poeples) headed by the organisation Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP, a national alliance of indigenous peoples organizations). The network believes that beyond the rescue and relief operations, and the so-called evacuation centers, the daunting task of rebuilding is in the communities themselves. The network sees indigenous peoples affected by the typhoon survivors with the latent capacities that need to be tapped and unleashed, they are not mere “victims”.
Tags: Climate, Press releases
