>> Why is the Typhoon Ondoy Issue a People’s Issue?
Typhoon Ondoy, beyond being a disaster, was a wake-up call to the harsh social realities that the Filipino people face: communities remain incapable in preparing for typhoons, with NDCC reporting 240 deaths and with an estimate of 1.8 million people affected. This is a problem that encompasses all Filipino people for the following reasons:
Climate Change
The phenomenal amount of rainfall is yet another preview of Climate Change, with extreme climate events such as Ondoy becoming more frequent and devastating especially to people from third world nations. Despite this, the government continues to be lax and lacking in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation policies, and has been lenient with purveyors of dirty industries exhibiting dubious “green” technologies.
Corruption
Corruption also plays a significant part in this tragedy. The government’s P800 million emergency fund was already spent long ago for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s travel expenses, which largely manifested in the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)’s lack of adequate action in response to the damages caused by Ondoy. The self-interest of traditional politics has also caused lopsided and chaotic distribution of relief.
Under this growing trend of state abandonment in social services, it is the people’s prerogative then to defend their interests through self-sufficient disaster preparedness practices and social platforms for change and action.
>> Why is CPU engaged in the Typhoon Ondoy Issue?
The Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU) believes in the advancement of Information and Communication Technologies or ICT for the People: this means that “our efforts are linked with the struggle of the Filipino people to improve their general situation. Our projects are based on their needs; our training modules are for their benefit. They are our clients and our project managers: we shall advance ICT for their welfare.” (CPU Unity Statement, August 31, 2008)
It must be understood, however, that our social responsiveness is not limited to the technical aspect of being ICT practitioners. CPU members and volunteers are, first and foremost, Filipino citizens. According to CPU’s Principles and Objectives, “We go beyond being members of our forums and mailing-lists. We learn from each other and from the people’s rich experiences.” Our response to the Filipino people as citizens involves not only our technical skill, but our full capacity to serve. It is not only our ICT that is for the people, we ICT People are for the People.
>> How is CPU Helping?
CPU supports the relief operations of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC), a non-profit, non-stock and non-government organization that is part of CPU’s network of supported organizations that pioneered and continues to promote community-based disaster management in the Philippines.
CDRC ensures a systematized and targeted distribution of relief goods to the most vulnerable non-mainstream areas. This ensures that relief good distributions are evenly and democratically dispersed. CPU provides both technical and manual help, maintaining a new media operations team and participating in soliciting, repacking, distributing, etc.
>> What can CPU members and volunteers do to Help?
1.) Organize donation drives in your communities. Go door-to-door to request for canned goods, potable water, rice, blankets, etc. Contact us through cdrc.rpid@gmail.com to request for a copy of CDRC's solicitation letter. Please collate the name, contact details, and exact inventory of donors.
2.) Goods can be delivered to any of CDRC's Drop-Off Centers:
* CDRC, 72-A Times St., Q.C.
* Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Quezon Ave. corner EDSA, Q.C.
* CONTEND-UP, UP Diliman Faculty Center
* Kabataan Partylist, 118-B Scout Rallos, Q.C.
* UPD- University Student Council, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman, Q.C.
* UPD- College of Arts and Letters Dean's Office, UP Diliman Faculty Center, Q.C.
* CREST, 1235 Trece Agosto St., Paco, Manila
* National City United Church, Times St., Q.C.
Notify CDRC through 929-9820/22 before dropping off deliveries. You can also request CDRC to pick up gathered goods in your community if our vehicles are not in use.
3.) Contribute or solicit for cash donations:
Dollar Account
Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Account Number: 2-63600158-3
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch
Bank Address: Corner Examiner and Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Peso Account
Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Account Number: 3-63600741-3
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch
Bank Address: Corner Examiner and Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
4.) You can also drop by CDRC's office at 72-A Times St. West Triangle Homes, Q.C. to volunteer for repacking goods and distribution. We are also badly in need of volunteers with vehicles to help us in delivering goods to our areas of responsibility.
