Parola is just few minutes away from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or from Malacanang and the City Hall of Manila, yet food was only served a day after the incident.
To date, the government has only given P2000 financial assistance and a few food packs. The affected families said that such amount is really small, not enough to buy food, clothing and medicine or even materials to fix their homes.
On the 5th day after the fire, thousands of families are barely coping inside the evacuation centers. At Delpan Sports Complex, more than 1000 families are seeking refuge. Women, children and the old are sick and hungry.
Worst, the residents learned some information that they will not be allowed to come back to their former places and will be forcibly evacuated somewhere.
The community of Parola has long been a target for national government project in line with the Manila Bay Reclamation and the on going port privatization– a project pushed by foreign multi national corporations with their local partners in the Philippines.
The same kind of neglect and abandonement was experienced by millions of people in Eastern Visayas. The Parola people are also victims not only of fire but also victims of criminal neglect of the Aquino government.
Let us join the people of Parola in their demand to the Philippine Government to ensure their welfare, demand enough relief and financial assistance that will help the victims in restoring their homes and livelihood. Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap-Tondo and Manila with their local organizations in Parola are also appealing for any donations for the affected families.
Thank you very much.
Campaign Director
Defend Job Philippines
Telephone:3535760
Mobile: +639267856299 and +639289069223
Website: www.defendjobphilippines.wordpress.com
www.demolitionwatch.wordpress.comDefend Job Philippines is a member of International Network for Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR Network)
