Blame Climate Change

26 September 2006 - super typhoon Milenyo
27 September 2009 - tropical depression Ondoy

Two catastrophic natural disturbances three years apart.

Three quotable quotes:
1. While we were driving down from Baguio through the flooded fields of Bulacan, on the radio was a press conference by GMA and Gibo--
Gibo: Madam President, I'd like to acknowledge the donation of two rubber boats by the U.S.
GMA: Thank you U.S. for two rubber boats.
She was serious.

2. Seen on the news in the early hours of the flooding when it became apparent that this was definitely not just a tropical depression:
Reporter: Sir, why do you think this flooding is happening?
GMA Cabinet Member: Well, you know this is all the fault of climate change. So it is a good thing that our beloved president GMA is holding masses for climate change. Samahan natin siya sa pag-dadasal.

3. On Wowowee this afternoon:
Revillame: Seryoso na 'to ha, seryoso na 'to. Dapat lahat ng barangay, lahat ng bahay, meron tali (para ma tali sa poste o ano pag lumakas na yung water current).
He was serious.

I am so sad for all those who have lost their homes, their belongings, their material lives, and had to go through all the mud and sewer water. We, and most people I know, are putting together relief efforts to help people who were affected. In our street alone, there are two relief centers.

Thoughts:
1. The government should stop self-congratulating, they are so poorly prepared, and it is not over yet, with two more tropical depressions heading our way. Why do I get a feeling the hourly press conferences with GIbo are being milked as exposure for his presidential bid? We have never had anyone so visible in the hundreds of natural disasters we've had. It's not working on me though, he reminds me of a dutiful bodyguard, not a charismatic decisive president. Well his boss has the charm of a sour librarian, so bagay nga sila.

2. We should all learn from this and manage our personal waste, stop throwing our trash irresponsibly, recycle what we can, and stun gun people we see littering.

3. Stop dumping into our rivers, lakes, and waterways. All these factories that line the Pasig and it's tributaries should be assessed, fined, and monitored.

4. The people living along the esteros, haaay... what can we do if you insist on living in a cess pool?

5. Watch the government continue to blame climate change, he is neither in government nor running for office kase.

Image: IL, Boltanski at Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, Japan, 2009