26/07/2025
๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ก | Calamity of Irresponsibility
โThis is the new normal,โ President Ferdinand โBongbongโ Marcos Jr. stated as he assessed the different weather systems that are currently affecting the Philippine Area of Responsibility. In a situation briefing with key officials on July 24, Marcos Jr. added that Filipinos must not be surprised by such calamities but instead thoroughly prepare, for in his words, โthese are not extraordinary situations anymore.โ
Undeniably, these words carry some apparent truth to them. That yes, tropical cyclones and disasters alike were never new โ because in fact, each year, 20 of them are expected to pass by the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Yet, even though Marcos Jr. might be correct that such calamities are to be expected, he is mistaken for saying that Filipinos have the wrong mentality, for pointing fingers at the common folk.
Because, in disasters like these, the Filipino people have been the greatest victims of the governmentโs palpable indifference. In times like these, the common Juan dela Cruz always carries the weight of the governmentโs failure.
Through the years, the Philippines has been hit by numerous catastrophes โ thunderstorms, heavy rainfalls, and storm surges. The worst part? Itโs not just contained to these tropical cyclones passing by; it goes way beyond that. It comes with fast, surging, and overwhelming floods. Floods that destroy property. Floods that wash away years of hard work. Floods that harm individuals and their families. Floods that drown the people in another set of problems that were not theirs in the first place.
But then again, with how common these disasters are, shouldnโt the Philippines already be prepared? Shouldnโt the disaster risk and management be well-managed? Shouldnโt flood control be of quality?
In theory, it should be. But in practice? It is beyond disappointing.
As per records by the Department of Budget and Management (DPWH), there has been P244 billion spent solely on DPWHโs Flood Control project. This kind of budget exceeds allocations for other important sectors such as national healthcare, public transportation, and environmental welfare. Additionally, the records also show the partition of projects into different parts, displaying a great focus on drainage improvement and modernization.
Despite these skyrocketing records of budget allocations, it seems like there has been no work done at all. The Filipino people are still pestered and inconvenienced by floods that do not seem to end. Wherein, each year, the budget increases but the governmentโs inaction seems to dwindle further.
The funds that are supposed to mitigate calamities and ultimately improve the lives of Filipinos only go to the pockets of those who are supposed to be serving the people. In such pursuit of self-serving intentions, not only do our taxes fall into the wrong hands, but they also undermine the rights and dignity of the people.
Isnโt it ironic that the same officials who go out in public, pretending that they are taking action, are the same ones who shift the accountability onto the people? They urge the people not to be overly dependent on the government, yet make no effort to prevent the problems caused by natural disasters.
The problem goes way beyond the inclement weather forming in our skies or the surging floodwater on our streets. As a matter of fact, this problem goes beyond natural causes. It is an issue with our so-called leaders, a deep-rooted poison within our system โ the never-ending problem of corruption.
The rising levels of floodwater may not discriminate, but the relentless cycle of corruption does. Now, that is something the Filipinos should hold these officials accountable for. It has been far too long since the word โresiliencyโ has been distorted for the sake of escaping accountability. It has been long overdue for the people to get the public service, accountability, and integrity that they truly deserve.
So no, the president is not only incorrect, he is gravely mistaken. This series of floods and catastrophes was never new; it has been long-standing in the country. Therefore, this cycle of inaction and indifference should no longer be the norm; it should be addressed and condemned.
A public office is a public trust โ so instead of urging the Filipinos to change their mentalities, perhaps these people called leaders should change the way the system works from within. Because without proper action, the issue continues, and the Filipinos, once again, suffer from this perennial problem called baha.
via | Kate Montero
Copyread | Francine Gomez
Layout | Chloe Sobreviรฑas
