Well, the rains have gotten in the way of my hard reset. I certainly wasn’t going anywhere yesterday in that downpour and, more than 24 hours later, it’s still going. And it’s going STRONG.
I live near the [Marikina River](http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=14.5583333333,121.068055556&spn=0.1,0.1&q=14.5583333333,121.068055556 (Marikina%20River)&t=h “Marikina River”) and I’m pretty sure that to say that it’s overflowed is an understatement, considering that the church near us is already in danger of flooding, and we’re on pretty high ground. But I’m not really worried about us. If it ever floods where we are, then the end of the world is nigh, and no amount of worrying will help.
But the flooding of Manila happens almost like clockwork every year, and we’re still ill-equipped to handle it. You’d think that the government would spend more time cleaning out sewers in the summer time, or equipping and training more rescue teams than playing the musical chairs game they like to call “Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Most Corrupt Of All?”
Oh, there are government hotlines you can call.
Have you ever tried calling any of these numbers? You’re lucky if anyone answers. And, even if they do, there’s not much they can do to help anyway. So you can actually understand why they don’t answer the phones.
There was one time I left my shopping bags in a taxi. They were on the front seat, next to the driver so, yes, he knew they were there. It’s a good thing our guard was able to take down the cab’s license plate. So I called the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) hotline and reported the incident. I had to call them a few times because it was the weekend or it was lunch time or something or other, and then they had to coordinate with the LTO (Land Transportation Office) but, finally, after a few days, they called me back with an address and a telephone number. The telephone number, they informed me, was bogus. But they could give me the address and I could go there myself to confront the cab driver.
Me. Not them. Me.
So this is what hotlines in the Philippines are for.
While I love this country with all my heart, it certainly has a long way to go as far as public service is concerned.
This is the North Luzon Expressway, not a river. (Photo c/o Charie Villa.)
A friend of mine sent out this plea on Facebook: “Emergency! Need a private institution that provides rescue services! Need to extract a family that resides in the Banawe area. A mother and four kids who do not have water and food, and do not know how to swim. Badly needed. Thanks!” (If you know anyone who can help, please contact Lean Villanueva; it’s his aunt and cousins that need help. His mobile number is +63-918-585-2163.)
As I write this, the rains haven’t abated. They have, in fact, intensified. If you would like to help the victims of flooding, please see the following:
“We appeal to our compassionate and generous donors. The Rizal Chapter is currently serving families at the evacuation centers at Muntinlupa, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Marikina, San Juan, (Cainta, Taytay, Angono by) Dugong East Rizal, Antipolo City, Tanay, Jalajala, San Mateo and Rodriguez areas. We are currently serving hot meals. Families at evacuation centers need blankets, mats, clean water and food. Please help and send donations.”
Update:
We’ve had a short repreive from the rains, but they’ve started up again. Here’s another way you can help. (Reposting from Facebook.)
"All LBC Express Inc. local and international branches (- that includes Asia, Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East) are accepting donations and will serve as drop-off centers for the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS starting today, Aug 8.
Most needed are blankets, water, milk, rice, baby diapers, mats, toiletries, and easy-to-eat food like biscuits. Please make sure that these are properly labled as “donations” and we will make sure that these are immediately sent to the Red Cross and their evacuation centers.
Please address donations to “LBC Foundation” to avail of this free service. Donations sent to specific individuals/groups will be charged accordingly.
Note: When packing relief goods to donate, please try not to use plastic bags. Instead, use pillow cases, a blanket, a towel or an old shirt to wrap up your donations. Plastics in the sewers are part of what got us in this state in the first place."
Please see this link for more details.