Submitted by Dana Isenberg

About/Bio: I work for a Manila-based NGO called Institute for Social Entrepreneurship Education (I4SEE). We operate a livelihood program in Malabon City, one of the worst hit areas of Metro Manila.

My take: The NGO was relieved to find those closely involved in the I4SEE programs were safe, though the flood was a set back. One of the recipients, Mary Ann Lopez* had to wait on the second floor of her home for one night and one full day so water on the first floor could subside. Her Xerox machine, which brought in extra income, had to be thrown away. Parts of her sewing machine were also damaged.

Another group of women were unable to sell their hand-weaved products at the weekend market due to weather. They did not generate their weekly income, and went hungry last week.

Squatter homes along with all their belongings were completely washed away, leaving many to sleep in schools and churches.

Government councilor Len Oreta insists that people in Malabon city are not used to this degree of disaster. He says "People assume that because it is poor here, we are used to it. But we are not. There are people who have not been able to take a bath in 3 days."

A small effort by a Canadian employee of the NGO has helped as well. A simple Facebook message generated funds in a matter of minutes. 60,000 Php($1,500 CDN) has been collected so far . One third of the donations from Canada have been used to purchase Banig (bed mats) for 100 families in Malabon City. The remaining money will be used to pay for Generic Pharmaceuticals and essential household goods in the next week.
It has been amazing to see the outreach extended to the Philippines.