Urban poor groups led by Kadamay (Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap) held a protest before the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) national office in Quezon City on November 11. They condemned the agency and the Marcos regime for giving insufficient compensation and aid for the urban poor affected by the consecutive typhoons in recent weeks.

Kadamay stated that since July, when Typhoon Carina struck up to the recent month’s series of typhoons, the urban poor have not felt any significant relief. The group said that the poor are disappointed with the government’s slow response in providing aid to those affected.

“Compensation, not crumbs!” Kadamay secretary general and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Ka Mimi Doringo called. Doringo, who survived the devastating Typhoon Ondoy in Manila in September 2009, added, “How many more typhoons will destroy our lives, livelihoods, and homes before the government takes action and shows concern?”

The urban poor leader said aside from compensation for their damaged homes and livelihoods, the government should also stop the destructive projects that cause widespread and severe flooding. The government’s support and services for the poor are also utterly inutile due to widespread corruption.

As a result of their action, a representative from DSWD came out and talked to Doringo and other leaders of Kadamay.

Meanwhile, residents of Marikina City led by the local chapter of Gabriela Women’s Party and Gabriela launched an action at the Marikina Public Market om November 12.

They commemorated the 4th anniversary of Typhoon Ulysses, which hit and flooded 40,000 homes in Marikina City. They called for the government to be held accountable and to stop the destructive projects that exacerbate disasters.