What I found out about the govenment helping typhoon victims.

@iskayz (5420)
Philippines
June 23, 2008 9:09am CST
Hi everyone! Our country has just experienced a typhoon and I'm glad its over now. Many families have lost houses and they are those who are living nearby rivers and creeks that are not really the site for building houses and its not a descent place for living. Sadly those families are what we call squatters. But guess what I found out today. I have talked to a woman whose family lost a house and she said that the government is already helping them. The conversation goes like this. I asked her "what kind of help is the government giving?" She said "they are giving relief goods which includes 1 kilo of rice, 1 pc. of noodle and 1 can of sardines." I said "okey thats good. What else?" The woman said "they are helping us to rebuild our homes again." I said "oh that's great, where?" She replied "on the same place where we lost our houses." After I heard that my jaw just dropped. I was stunned I couldn't believe it. Its good that that the government are helping them by giving them relief goods but they are also helping them to become squatters again by rebuilding their houses on the same place where they are not suppose to live rather than relocating them to a safer and more descent place for living. Now what kind of help do you think is that? Make a comment mylotters.
1 person likes this
3 responses
• United States
23 Jun 08
I don't understand if they already had houses there that they owned how are they considered squatters? In the states a squatter is there illegally uising a peice of land or building that they do not own or rent. Just wondering.
2 people like this
@iskayz (5420)
• Philippines
23 Jun 08
Hi travibabiesgirl! Yes its the same here. They don't own the land or lot they built their houses on. They just choose to live there. Their houses are usually made from scraps of cartons or wood.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jun 08
Oh I can see then why you would be upset. It sounds like the squatters need help finding a more suitable place to live. I really feel bad for everyone that has lost their homes and loved ones to this disaster. I hope that the government will help all who need it in this situation.
2 people like this
@iskayz (5420)
• Philippines
23 Jun 08
Yes I'm really upset and sad. Those people really need a suitable place to live and not just food. Its going to be a cycle until they have been relocated to a safer and descent place. For every typhoon that will come they might be a victim again and again. The problem won't be solved. I think relocation is a best solution.
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@Chispa514 (871)
• Montreal, Quebec
23 Jun 08
My uncle (by marriage) has family in your country, and him and my aunt go there every winter for a few months. I always worry about them especially when I hear about things like the typhoon you guys went through. I agree its good that the government is agreeing to help, but they should help them to rebuild somewhere that is more safe, because what happens if it happens again ? Next time the government might be jerks and not want to help.
2 people like this
@ferdzNK (3211)
• Philippines
25 Jun 08
Even if the government would relocate them somewhere else these people would still go back there because that is where their livelihood is. Granting that the government did relocate them and those folk did move to their new relocation area, for sure a new batches of folk would move in at that same spot for the same reasons the original settles move there. They(the government) would now have two sources of problem the new relocated site and the original site. I don't think the government is in a position to think of a better solution at this point. What do you think Iskayz?
@iskayz (5420)
• Philippines
27 Jun 08
Hi ferdzNK! Yes you're right. Even if these people have been relocated another batch would come and settle in that place. But if the government is not in a position to think of a better solution then who is? Who is responsible in thinking of a better and permanent solution? Whether the government likes it or not, these people are still part of their responsibilities no matter what. Well that is only my opinion about this matter. Ciao! Thanks for responding.