MANILA, Philippines – Clad in black and carrying placards advocating for inclusivity, members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community in Mindanao were heard loud and clear even as they marched in silence on Sunday, December 22.

Veering away from the usual vibrant festivities that are expected of a Pride celebration, the 2019 Mindanao Pride March came in the form of a silent protest at the Rodelsa Circle in Cagayan de Oro City, where marchers wore black.

Mindanao Pride said the color signifies mourning for victims of violence, particularly hate crimes, who have not gotten any justice. It's also a representation of "those who were silenced and [are] continuously being gagged" for being "true to themselves."

While the protest is unlike other colorful Pride marches, Mindanao Pride said the peaceful and quiet mobilization stays true to its essence of helping advance the LGBTQ+ agenda.

Echoing the call "Tawhanong katungod sa tanang katawhan (Human rights for all people)," it highlighted the issues experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"Silence is the loudest way to protest, and [it] brings clarity and deeper understanding to the issues that we wish to put forward to the public," said Hamilcar Chanjueco Jr, founder of Mindanao Pride. 

"But unfortunately, silence is also how the government and society answer to the community's problems, thus we are still on the side and excluded in decision- and policy-making processes," Chanjueco added.

Now on its second year, the Mindanao Pride March gathered LGBTQ+ advocates, human rights activists, and allies from the southern Philippines.

Through placards, they called for the passage of the sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) equality bill, and an anti-discrimination ordinance in Cagayan de Oro City.

According to organizers' estimates, more than 200 people joined the march.

Seeing the event as an opportunity to educate each other, the 2019 Mindanao Pride March culminated with a discussion on the issues involving the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ+ community.

Established in late 2017, Mindanao Pride pushes for the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ+ community in the region, while reinforcing the need to include their narratives in national conversations. – Rappler.com

Ten years ago, news of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre broke out and shocked the world. It has been considered the worst election-related violence ever recorded in the Philippines and the single bloodiest attack on journalists in recent memory.

The morbid footage in news reports still haunt me to this day. I was a teenager then, and could not take the gravity of the crime. It was traumatizing, and I could not help but leave whenever I heard the topic being discussed, because it was just too hard to take in. 

It was a humid December afternoon when my college professor, who was also a lawyer, discussed the topic during class. He expressed his disgust towards the grisly crime and how impunity engulfed the very fabric of our judicial system. He then turned to us and asked, “Who among you here has the guts to fight these evils?” The evils he was referring to were the Ampatuans, and the other political dynasties thriving in our corrupt system of governance. (READ: Political dynasties, impossibility of democracy) 

Suddenly, crickets. Most of my classmates looked oblivious, while some could be heard chuckling. In their young minds, they could not really understand what he meant. But this particular moment hit me hard. That was when I promised to myself that I would serve this country and help those in need by working in the justice system in the future. 

Years later, I find myself standing in the lonely hallways of law school. Years later, I am reading voluminous cases, enduring sleepless nights, injecting my veins with caffeine, and swallowing  professors’ insults and cold calls. Every law student knows the agony and sacrifices required in studying law. But the question really is, “What is your reason for giving up your old life in exchange for these rigorous years in school?” (READ: Broke and broken: Working student recalls long journey to becoming a lawyer)

My answer is simple. My primary purpose is to aid in the administration of justice and make it available for all, irrespective of one’s disposition in life or his socio-economic status. The Ampatuan massacre has substantially driven me to pursue this endeavor. The victims’ grieving families and friends who plead for justice cannot, in any way, be ignored. I cannot endure seeing impunity prevail in the hands of a powerful few.

These past few days have been historic. The Ampatuan case finally reached its reckoning point. It was a very long decision composed of over 700 pages– understandably lengthy because of the decade-long trial and the nature of the case per se.

Just moments after the promulgation, I dared to peruse the legal justification of the judgment, including the statement of facts. However, I decided not to finish the entirety of the decision because of the horrendous testimonies of the witnesses, including detailed accounts from the time of the abduction to the actual execution of the victims. (READ: 'Tama na please': How lawyer's text in last moments convicted Andal Ampatuan)  

The recent ruling of the court convicting some of the accused including the principal ones shows that the country still has a well-functioning judiciary. Albeit the case ended with more accused acquitted than convicted, this signals the gradual reinstatement of trust in the judiciary.

Finally, the trial court has now culminated the case with a favorable decision, a decision that may somehow change the course of our fate as a troubled nation. But however celebratory the outcome is, the public should not feign nonchalance. The road does not end here, as legal remedies for the convicts are still in place. We must keep an eye out. 

Hats off to the brave prosecutors and lawyers who carried many burdens along the way, and to the woman of the hour, Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes, for a decade of dedication and perseverance to make sure justice is served. These individuals inspire the next generation of legal warriors. This is just the beginning of our long but meaningful quest for truth and justice. The rainbow after the storm is now apparent.

I keep my faith in our justice system as I traverse the long and uncertain road to lawyering. Like some of my classmates, I am also struggling to survive the daily grind in school. As the law school mantra puts it, “The question of whether or not you would become a lawyer is a settled one. The only question is when?” Thus, I trust the process no matter what it will cost me – for God, for the country, and for the future. – Rappler.com 

Leandro C. Tulod, 25, is a working law student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He is in the process of transforming himself from a nobody to a somebody. He enjoys reading legal commentaries and loves to go on hikes when time permits.

ALBAY, Philippines – While Christmas carolling in various parts of the Philippines usually features popular Christmas songs, this Albay Christmas village does it a little differently.

In Legazpi City, young children reenact the birth of Jesus Christ as they sing and dance to the tune of “Pastores-A-Belen,” a Christmas carol composed by national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal more than a century ago, before Christmas Day.

The performance is called Bulilit Pastores (young shepherds), a spin-off from the age-old and unique Bicol tradition named Pastores, which typically involves male and female adults doing the same routine to commemorate the nativity of Jesus Christ.

It's the Bicolanos' unique way of commemorating Christmas as Pastores dancers interpret the "Pastores-A-Belen" wearing colorful costumes and carrying their elaborately designed arco (arch of flowers) in honor of the biblical shepherds who sang the first Christmas carols.

The performance is traditionally accompanied by string and percussion musicians, while the choreography can be modern or contemporary in type. Historically, it's done a few days before the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi in Legazpi City.

“This is a local tradition performed every Christmas. We are encouraging the parents to bring their kids to this event and show them this colorful local culture and heritage. Let's unite in the preservation of our heritage,” Dorothy Fernandez Colle, provincial tourism officer, said.

Aside from the Pastores, Bicolanos also depict the yuletide season through the “Kagharong,” where performers do a creative reenactment of Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary’s plight as they look for a home in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

The provincial government of Albay wants to keep the Pastores alive as part of its unique culture and tradition of rejoicing before Christmas Day. They hope the custom lives on and passes on to the younger generation.

Among its efforts to achieve this is the traditional Bulilit Pastores sing and dance competition, an annual event sponsored by the provincial government of Albay where participants perform interpretative and synchronized dances with their respective “pastores arco.”

As a rule, each team of 12 boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years old is required to perform the traditional “Pastores-A-Belen” song and dance within a 7-minute limit. Succeeding songs and choreography can then be modern or contemporary.

Through the competition, winners can get P30,000 for first prize, P20,000 for second prize, and P10,000 for third prize.

This year, the 3rd season of the Bulilit Pastores was held at the Penaranda Park on December 19.

– Rappler.com

Every 25th of December, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas starts as early as September in the Philippines, where colorful lanterns and decorations signify the beginning of the festive celebration.

While the birth of Jesus categorically belongs to the religious realm, there is more to Christmas that transcends spiritual hegemony, which gives the celebration a brighter stroke of red.

Jesus is a radical activist

Far from being a meek and tame visionary, Jesus was in fact a radical activist.

While Jesus did not rally against the state, his radical actions went against the status quo, advocating for societal change that was evidently biased towards the oppressed and marginalized.

Jesus confronted the social structures of his day – having lepers, prostitutes, and groups that were castigated by society as his company all throughout.

Being born to a peasant family, Jesus became the vanguard of liberation for the marginalized peasant class and stood for truth and justice, which placed him on the blacklist of the state and became the reason for his execution.

He was heavily involved in societal issues and had active involvement in protecting the poor. His open denouncement of Pharisees, eating meals with prostitutes, and overturning the temple run by corrupt Sanhedrin paint an image of a radical Jesus.

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus 

In a world where majority of the people are poor and oppressed by the ruling few, it becomes a duty to be an activist and fight for a systemic change.

In a country where the state is used by the powerful to accumulate wealth, where landlessness is rampant and landlords utilize state machinery to perpetuate violence against the peasantry and their allies, and where foreign monopoly capitalists desecrate the environment and extract colossal amounts of raw materials in pursuit of profit, it becomes the duty of every Filipino to fight and stand against the ruling elites.

In this political climate where activists are being vilified and killed, it pays to remind everyone that activism is not a crime but an act of immeasurable love and compassion.

Everyone must be reminded that to walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to walk in the footsteps of the downtrodden.

Knowing the true spirit of Christmas

Christmas signifies not only the birth of the Christian deity but also the birth of a radical activist who fought against the status quo and stood for the oppressed and marginalized.

Indeed, Jesus instructed us to “give unto Caesar what is due to Caesar” – to fulfil one’s civic duty – and that includes voicing out legitimate criticisms of the state, holding public servants accountable, and ensuring social justice prevails.

The life of Jesus dedicated in service of the poor should be the highlight in celebrating his birth, and people should be reminded that Jesus, in choosing the side of the downtrodden, was a radical change maker who dreamt and worked for a better world. – Rappler.com

Melo Mar Y. Cabello is a Christian activist and staunch advocate of the rights and welfare of the Filipino peasantry. He is a member of the National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates – Youth (NNARA-Youth) in University of the Philippines Diliman where he is currently taking his Bachelor's degree in Political Science.

I will never forget the week when the news broke about the Ampatuan massacre in 2009. I was an elementary student on the way to Ilagan, Isabela for a contest for campus journalists.

When we reached the city center, a number of foreigners were waiting for bus rides. They're probably just leaving the city, which was not unusual. But our adviser pointed out that they're probably leaving the country too, fearing the state of the country at the time.

At 10 years old, I was already afraid to continue my dream of pursuing journalism. This case taught me the price of truth at an early age. We were told that jounalism is a dangerous profession because it entails sacrifices, even if it means risking your life. As heroic as it sounds, I think it shouldn't be that way.

In every lecture I attended for campus journalism under the great Professor Ben Domingo Jr, he would always mention the two worst events for press freedom in the country: Marcos' Martial Law and the Ampatuan massacre.

After declaring Martial Law, Ferdinand Marcos' instruction was to take control over all newspapers, radio, and television networks. He silenced public criticism and controlled information. There were also detentions and disappearances of journalists. What followed were their deaths.

And the Ampatuan massacre – regarded as perhaps the worst political massacre and election-related violence in the history of the Philippines, killing 58 people, including 32 journalists – is also considered the single deadliest attack against the media in the world. Both events attacking journalists, destroying democracy and rooted in impunity. Years passed and no justice.

Now that Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes had served the verdict of the Ampatuan massacre case on December 19, ending the almost 10-year trial that spanned 3 administrations, we must reflect on the lessons of the case and notice the patterns showed in the past few years:

1) Our slow and poor justice system has a lot to improve on, and the decision of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court is not yet final until the Supreme Court rules it so, but the verdict gives us and the families of the victims hope for justice.

2) There is an Ampatuan who remains free, acquitted, and in power, and he can get reelected despite numerous cases of corruption. (READ: [ANALYSIS] What the Ampatuan Massacre did not – and could not – address)

3) The mass murders were perpetrated by the police with orders from politicians, and both enablers should not be exempted from the law.

4) This case does not justify all cases of press violations.

The Philippine media is at risk again more than ever, given continuous disinformation, harassment, and threats of blocking franchise renewals and revocation of registration by the current administration. (READ: [OPINION] Even after the Ampatuan verdict, Filipino journalists are still in peril)

I had been writing about the Ampatuan massacre up to my days in college. But here, I write again as if I were 10 years old. What I knew at that time was I wanted to be safe if I became a journalist.

The Philippines remains to be among the deadliest countries for journalists in Southeast Asia. This should not be the future that awaits young journalists. We were not merely taught how to write, but to stand up for what we write. And it is our right to be safe in expressing our opinions and criticisms.

The fight of professional journalism will always be the fight of campus journalism. We celebrate the Ampatuan massacre verdict, hope for justice, and continue to address the struggles of press freedom.

For now, democracy and press freedom won. But we do not fight to win, we fight to be free. There is more to be done. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines  – Ahead of Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone)’s landfall, several local government units evacuated residents, prepared goods for distribution, and conducted equipment inventory as early as Monday afternoon, December 23.

As of 2 pm on Tuesday, December 24, Ursula intensified as it moved closer toward Eastern Visayas. (READ: Ursula now a typhoon 'endangering' Eastern Visayas)

Ursula strengthened from a severe tropical storm into a typhoon early Tuesday afternoon, December 24, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning that it "endangers" the region of Eastern Visayas.

It is now expected to make landfall specifically in the Borongan-Guiuan area of Eastern Samar between 4 pm and 6 pm on Tuesday.

Ensuring that their communities are safe and vigilant, here's how several local government units prepared for Typhoon Ursula:

Albay

In Albay, Governor Al Francis Bichara ordered local government units to conduct a forced evacuation of residents living near lahar, landslides, and flood-prone areas.

Several local representatives visited residents in Libon, Maninila, and Tandarora to advise them to evacuate and temporarily celebrate Christmas in evacuation centers for their safety. Evacuees were brought to their respective evacuation camps by service vehicles.

Meanwhile, several evacuees are seeking refuge in public schools in the province ahead of Typhoon Ursula's landfall. The provincial government distributed food packs to the evacuees.

Weather bureau officials warned disaster responders in Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate to be vigilant especially in landslide, lahar, and flood-prone areas.

Naval, Biliran

In Naval, Biliran, the local government unit deployed evacuation tents for evacuees on Monday, December 23, in preparation for the typhoon's landfall. Some of the tents reserved for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.

To keep the Christmas spirit alive even, a Christmas tree was placed inside the evacuation center in Naval, Biliran.

Romblon

Personnel of the Romblon Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted an inventory of search and rescue (SAR) equipment on December 23. This is in preparation for rescue operations that might be triggered by Typhoon Ursula’s heavy rain.

How are your communities preparing for Typhoon Ursula? Let us know by tagging @MovePH! – with reports from Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler.com

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – We've heard of Baguio’s honest taxi drivers. But hereabouts, you encounter an honest soul who's not necessarily behind a wheel. 

Candido Baniaga recently saw that for himself.

Baniaga is what they call a death aid collector. He is the acknowledged collector of abuloy or contributions for the dead in a village. 

He is an old farmer from Madaymen in Kibungan, Benguet, acknowledged as the coldest village in the Cordillera region.  

“This old man is a death aid collector. He travels every day to collect, but accidentally lost the money he collected,” Jayson Pascual Tulabis of Benguet said in a Facebook post. 

He said Baniaga went to their local church to ask for prayer because he lost the money he collected. It amounted to P14,000 and $10. Also lost was the list of donors. 

Tulabis reported last Monday, December 23, about Baniaga’s plight in a local radio station. 

On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, it was reported that the money was returned to Baniaga. It was found by another resident of Madaymen. 

“Awan surok ken kurang na,” said Tulabis. (No more, no less.) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Hoping to spread the Christmas cheer during this season of giving, various groups reached out to victims of Typhoon Tisoy and the Mindanao earthquakes to offer tents and other needs for the holidays.

Throughout the past few months, several disasters struck the Philippines, displacing thousands of families and leaving a trail of destruction in a number of regions.

Several communities in parts of Southern Philippines, especially in Davao del Sur, struggled after portions of Mindanao were struck by a series of earthquakes since October. (READ: LOOK: Buildings destroyed by magnitude 6.5 quake that struck parts of Mindanao)

Marino party list went around Davao del Sur on Monday, December 23, to provide tents to families affected by the recent earthquakes that rocked parts of Mindanao. 

They visited Digos City, Padada, Hagonoy, Matanao, and Bansalan in Davao del Sur to turn over 500 tents to local government units for use of the earthquake victims.

“We are supposed to come home for Christmas to spend time with our family. These tents are not homes, but they provide shelter for our brothers and sisters until they can rebuild their lives and their homes after this terrible tragedy,” said Marino Representative Sandro Gonzalez.

They also gathered toys from themselves and other donors to give to children of affected families.

“We recognize that Filipinos, even in times of tragedy, will find a way. All we provided were the means to empower them – a temporary roof for their families and toys for their children, so life can continue to be as normal as possible in this difficult time,” said Gonzalez.

A gift to those affected by Typhoon Tisoy

Among the communities that also felt the brunt of recent disasters were those affected by Typhoon Tisoy, which displaced more than 120,000 families in Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Metro Manila, and Mimaropa after it made landfall on December 2.

Several buildings, trees, and electrical posts across the Bicol region were also damaged after Typhoon Tisoy lashed the Philippines with fierce winds and heavy rain.

Hoping to rekindle the Christmas spirit in the area, the Aboitiz Group, led by its social development arm Aboitiz Foundation and its various business units, conducted relief operations and re-energization efforts in Albay and Sorsogon, which were badly hit by the onslaught of the strong typhoon.

As of December 14, they have reached out to more than 7,000 victims of Typhoon Tisoy, distributing food packs and water. They also donated tarpaulins and chainsaws to help provide temporary shelters and clean up debris. The Aboitiz Group contributed a total of P4.12 million worth of relief efforts. 

“We want to bring hope to our fellow Filipinos. After all, this is what Christmas is all about,” said Aboitiz Foundation Chief Operating Officer Maribeth L. Marasigan.

Aside from immediate relief assistance, the AboitizPower Distribution Unit (DU) with Sorsogon Electric Cooperatives (SORECO) I and II rehabilitated damaged electrical lines in 9 barangays in Irosin, and another 9 in Sorsogon City.

AboitizPower DU also deployed about 21 linemen and four boom trucks from Davao Light and Power Company and Visayan Electric Company to fast track the restoration of affected power lines.

Santa Claus visits Sorsogon

Senior high school students of Pilar National Comprehensive High School (PNCHS) acted as Santa Claus as they handed over toys, food and school materials to children staying at Pilar Central School for almost a month now.

These children coming from Barangay Dao, Pilar town in Sorsogon, and whose parents are living with them at Pilar Central School were left homeless after their houses were destroyed due to Typhoon Tisoy. They have been staying in the school since December 2. At least 262 families are staying in the school.

"Santa students" from PNCHS brought with them toys, school materials, used clothing, foods and guitars for merriment.

Ma. Lourdes Molleda, a senior high school teacher in PNCHS, helped lead her students in making the initiative happen.

Molleda said that Grades 11 and 12 arts and design students chipped in at least P50 each to generate funds for the Christmas initiative.

“My students opted not to have a Christmas party celebration. Instead, they contributed P50 to augment their funds to buy gifts like toys, school materials and food provision to give Christmas merriment for these children staying in evacuation centers as their homes were totally destroyed by Typhoon Tisoy,” she said.

Ako Bicol party list solons Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co and Alfredo “Pido” Garbin also handed over food packs for evacuees from Barangay Dao, Pilar town in Sorsogon.      

Hoping for a new home

Aside from clothing and other items, evacuees hope to find a new home.

Jesebel Brecenio, 22, is a single mother of twins. She is living in one of the classrooms in the school with her family and relatives.

Jesebel’s mother Esperanza said that she wants to go celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day in their home, not in an evacuation center. But her wish to return home this Christmas and New Year’s Day is quite impossible as their home was swallowed by the sea at the height of Typhoon Tisoy.

“It’s Christmas. Sadly we don’t have a home. We will be celebrating Christmas Day in a crowded evacuation center. We wish to have a home before Christmas or New Year. But the problem is my husband could not fish regularly due to bad weather affecting us for few months now,” she said.    

Esperanza said that they’re allowed to stay at PNCHS as a temporary shelter until New Year’s Day. After that, she said they will need to move out to give way for students’ regular class.

Do you know of other groups that may be spreading the Christmas cheer, especially to communities affected by recent disasters? Share them with us! – with reports from Rhaydz B. Barcia/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Several provinces in Visayas suffered severe flooding following heavy rains brought by Typhoon Ursula on Wednesday, December 25.

From December 24 to 25, Ursula made landfall 5 times: in Salcedo in Eastern Samar; Tacloban City in Leyte; Cabucgayan in Biliran; Gigantes Islands; Carles in Iloilo; and Ibajay in Aklan. (READ: Typhoon Ursula crosses northern tip of Aklan-Antique)

Among the provinces that felt the wrath of Typhoon Ursula's strong rains were Leyte, Iloilo, and Capiz. 

Here are some scenes from the areas that got flooded due to Typhoon Ursula:

Barangay Liloan, Ormoc City, Leyte

Balasan, Iloilo

Barangay Maindang, Cuartero, Capiz

President Roxas, Capiz 

Based on its latest forecast track, Ursula is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Friday, December 27, or early Saturday, December 28. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Ursula left a trail of destruction in several parts of Eastern and Western Visayas with its strong rains and winds on Christmas Day, as it destroyed buildings and flooded areas in the said regions.

Among the areas that saw serious damage from Typhoon Ursula’s wrath were Tacloban City, Aklan, Biliran, Eastern Samar and Capiz.

In Capiz, especially, several homes and buildings including the Lantangan Elementary School, Dumalag Municipal Hall, and the Robinsons Mall in Roxas were struck and damaged by the typhoon.

Ursula has made landfall 6 times – thrice in Eastern Visayas on Christmas Eve and thrice in Western Visayas on Christmas Day. Another landfall in the Mindoro area is possible.

Here are some of the buildings and homes in Visayas destroyed by Typhoon Ursula:

Tacloban City

Ormoc City, Leyte

Aklan

Biliran

Capiz

Eastern Samar

– Rappler.com

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – “Nasunog na an aton balay (Our house was burnt down).” 

These were the words that greeted Gina Diaz on Christmas day when she was told their house was razed after a fire broke out in Brgy. 66 Paseo de Legazpi, Tacloban City on Tuesday evening, December 24, about the same time of Typhoon Ursula’s landfall. 

The village, situated along Anibong Bay, was among those devastated 6 years ago by super typhoon Yolanda.

Tacloban City-Palo area in Leyte was Typhoon Ursula’s second stop after it made landfall in Salcedo, Eastern Samar on Tuesday afternoon. (READ: Leyte under state of calamity due to Typhoon Ursula) 

Diaz and her family were on their way back home after spending the night at a relative’s house in Bagacay, where they evacuated before Typhoon Ursula intensified. (READ: Typhoon Ursula death toll rises to 28) 

“Nakada pala kami ha may gasoline station, an akon anak tumawag nasiring kuno an ea classmates na sunog na an amon balay. Diri man kami nageexpect nga sunog ky sympre bagyo gud,” Diaz said. 

 (When we were at the gasoline station [on our way home], I received a call from one of my children saying her classmate told her, our house was burnt down. We didn’t expect the fire because we thought that we should be worried of the typhoon.)

“Siguro pagsubok han Diyos ha amon (Maybe this is God’s challenge to us),” she added. 

With news about the typhoon days before Christmas, Diaz anticipated a sad holiday season for them. However, they still hoped they could get help as they welcome the new year. 

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire and Arson Investigator Jonald Lace said 18 houses were affected – 13 houses totally damaged and 5 partially damaged. Lace said that the cause of the fire was under investigation. 

He added that BFP would release a final report within 45 days from the date of the incident. 

Family’s plight 

For 54-year-old Gerry Alcaraz, a fisherman, their family’s Christmas celebration was spent rebuilding their house which was totally destroyed by the fire.

He never thought he would have to build a house all over again after it was first devastated by Yolanda 6 years ago. 

His wife Marivic said she felt really bad when she was told nothing was left of their house. 

She remembered safekeeping their clothes and things, and placing these at the second level of their house so these would not get soaked with heavy rain when Typhoon Ursula struck.

Aside from preparing their things, she made sure her family evacuated before the typhoon made landfall –  lessons she learned from Super Typhoon Yolanda. 

But Marivic wished she also brought their things with them when they evacuated this time. (READ: IN PHOTOS: Buildings, homes destroyed as Typhoon Ursula batters parts of Visayas) 

"Malain gad. Nagtinuok gad ako. Sympre ky imbes na may mga gamit ka na, nagkaubos pa, (It was really awful. I cried a lot. [We have recovered from Typhoon Yolanda and] acquired these things. But now, we’re back to scratch),” Marivic said, recalling her experience with Yolanda and how they strived to rebuild again. 

Now that the fire took even Gerry’s fishing materials and the equipment they use for selling fish at the market, Marivic said they would welcome 2020 with nothing. The couple also called for help, hoping they’d be supported to start again. 

“Kunta makabiling kami puhunan para makabalik pangisda (I hope we can find a financial assistance so I can get back to fishing)," Gerry said. 

Celebration amid the tragedy

For most of the victims, Christmas time meant repairing burned down houses and cleaning debris. 

It was the second day since Leonardo Echosa skipped his work so he could help repair and clean his family’s home after the fire and storm. 

“Diri maupay. Ky sympre pasko tapos mag new year, nasunugan pa, nabagyuhan. (It’s not good because we’re celebrating Christmas like this. Then in a few days, it’s a new year. We were both affected by the fire and storm),” Echosa said. 

"Tapos birthday ko ngani yana (In fact, it's my birthday today)," Echosa said as he gathered scraps he could sell in the junk shop to earn money. 

There are 18 of them living in one house. Leonardo lives with his father Leo, together with his own family and that of his siblings' families. 

Despite the tragedy, they shared the food that his wife and his siblings prepared for him as they celebrated his birthday, even after the damage caused by the fire.

Leonardo, whose house was partially damaged, said they have not received help from the government yet. Meanwhile, some private companies sent goods such as ice cream and cake to the victims. 

Those families, whose houses were totally damaged, received water jugs, pails, hammer and sleeping mats through the office of the Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin on Thursday afternoon, December 26. 

The village captain Fe Marteja continued to call for help for the affected families in her community as they welcome the new year.

She said she knew of one thing – she fervently prayed these affected families would never be homeless again. – Rappler.com 

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MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of families celebrated Christmas in evacuation centers as Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) barreled through several provinces in Visayas after first making landfall in Eastern Samar on Tuesday, December 24.

According to the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the death toll due to the typhoon climbed to 28 as of 6 am on Friday, December 27. At least 13 deaths were recorded in Iloilo where 6 members of one family were found dead after strong floodwaters swept them away in Batad town.

Leyte, Capiz, and the towns of Medellin and Daanbantayan declared a state of calamity in the aftermath of Ursula.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to Filipinos affected by Ursula after on Thursday, December 26.

In a press statement, development agency Oxfam said that many of the communities along Ursula's path were still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Tisoy (Kammuri) and were in dire need of support.

People's Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDDRN) Executive Director Esteban Masagca said that early assessments of their staff and volunteers indicated that coastal villages urgently need emergency shelter materials, beddings, potable water, and food. 

“Families are urgently requesting emergency shelter-grade materials because the storm completely destroyed their homes along the coast. Families need beddings and mosquito nets, especially as dengue continues to be a major threat in the communities.... It truly saddens us that thousands of families will enter the new year without food, or even homes," Masagca added. 

Here is a list of relief operations for the communities affected by Typhoon Ursula:

Citizens' Disaster Response Center

The Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), a non-governmental organization that promotes community-based disaster management in the Philippines, is organizing relief operations for those affected by Ursula.

Due to logistical concerns, CDRC said that they preferred cash donations over relief goods. Donations may be sent via PayPal (info@cdrc-phil.com) or bank with the following details: 

• Peso account
• Account Name: Citizens' Disaster Response Center
• Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines
• Account No. 636-3-63600741-3
• Dollar account
• Account Name: Citizens' Disaster Response Center
• Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch, Quezon City, Philippines
• Account No. 636-2-63600158-3
• Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

For those interested to donate relief goods, donors may drop off donations at 72-A Times St, West Triangle Homes, Quezon City. You may set a drop-off appointment with CDRC at +63 2 8929 98 20.

Rock Ed Philippines

Rock Ed Philippines is accepting donations for its ground partners who are conducting relief operations in Capiz. Proceeds will be given to those affected by the typhoon in the province until December 29. 

The organization is accepting cash donations via bank: 

• Bank of the Philippine Islands account number: 3080-0073-44
• Bank account name: ROCK ED PHILIPPINES

Balik-Biliran network

Balik-Biliran network, a task force led by Serge Matugas Jr and organized for relief operations for those affected in Biliran, is accepting cash and relief goods in the form of clothes, blankets, rice, canned goods, noodles, bottled water, and toiletries. 

There are two drop-off locations: 

• Biliran: Mary Wella Villordon’s residence located at Garcia St, Naval, Biliran, beside Naval Central School
• Cebu: Please contact Sheriza Mae Uy at 09177193368.

Donors may deposit cash donations via any of the following bank accounts: 

• BPI 
• Account name: Jean Marie Bernardes
• Account number: 1309162958
• Bank address: BPI Jones, Jones Ave., Cebu City
• BDO
• Bank address: BDO Cebu City Branch, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
• Account name: Eleanor C. Bernil
• Account number: 002920195081
• GCASH
• Gcash Name: Darl Octa Henessa Santos
• Gcash Number: 09173206783

– Rappler.com

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – A number of Tacloban residents affected by Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) will not have to worry about welcoming the new year without light. 

Institute of Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), a Philippine-based non-profit, has set up solar-powered charging stations at the Scandinavian Elementary School in Barangay San Roque and at 58 P. Burgos St, Barangay. 38 in Tacloban City. 

Through their project "RE-Charge Pilipinas," ICSC provided charging stations that could enable residents to charge their flashlights, portable radios, and cellphones.

According to ICSC project coordinator Arturo Tahup, they decided to set up charging stations at their partner schools and communities after Typhoon Ursula felled several electrical posts and lines when it made landfall in the neighboring province of Eastern Samar on Tuesday, December 24. (READ: As of December 27, Typhoon Ursula death toll rises to 28) 

“Actually the setup was there already even before Ursula, yet we decided to activate the facility at Scandinavian Elementary School as a charging facility still because of the power outage being experienced by the community.” Tahup said.

On September 23 of this year, ICSC installed a solar-powered generator at the Scandinavian Elemetnary School to initially help lessen the school's electricity costs and energize its computer room and school library. 

After Typhoon Ursula, the same generator was used to power the charging stations for residents in need. ICSC is also planning to provide the same services to other severely affected areas in the region, most especially in the remote islands of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

“This coastal areas were severely damaged by typhoon Ursula, and by these coming days. we will be sending our team to the ground to do the rapid damage assessment for us to be able to plan out on what we can do there,” Tahup said.

The typhoon has left a trail of destruction in several parts of Eastern and Western Visayas. In order to enable the release of emergency funds for rehabilitation, Leyte and Eastern Samar declared a state of calamity following the devastation brought by the Ursula. (READ: Families in Tacloban affected by fire during Typhoon Ursula appeal for help)

As of Saturday, December 28, several areas of Tacloban City still had no electricity. 

In its Facebook page, local electric cooperative LEYECO II said that its linemen and other technical personnel were working overtime to expedite the restoration of electricity in the province.

"As of this posting, we are unable to provide you with an estimated date or time for the actual restoration of electricity in your respective areas. However, rest assured that we are doing our best to be able to provide you with electricity the soonest possible time," LEYECO II  said, – with reports from Gabriel Cejas/Rappler.com 

Gabriel Cejas is a mover in Tacloban City. He is currently studying at Holy Infant College in Tacloban City, Leyte. 

MANILA, Philippines – In Biliran, almost 2,000 houses were totally destroyed and at least 11,000 partially damaged after Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) battered the region with strong winds and heavy floods on Tuesday, December 24. 

Following the devastating impact of the typhoon especially at the coastal communities, the provincial government placed Biliran under a state of calamity on Friday, December 27. 

More than 15,000 families or over 66,000 individuals were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula in the province. The provincial disaster risk reduction management office also estimated the initial cost of damage in Biliran to reach almost P800 million.

In a report dated Friday, December 27, the provincial disaster risk and management council said that there was a need to provide immediate shelter assistance to the affected families to help repair their damaged houses.  

Mover Jeremiah Orobia Vertulfo went around the province to capture the impact of Typhoon Ursula in his hometown on Wednesday, December 25. (READ: #ReliefPH: Help those affected by Typhoon Ursula)

"Makalipas ang humigit kumulang anim na oras na pananalasa ng bagyo, ito ang bumungad sa amin. Maraming nag-Christmas at magbabagong taon na walang bahay," he said, describing the images of destruction he witnessed in the coastal communities of Biliran. 

(After 6 hours of the continuous onslaught of Typhoon Ursula, this is what we saw. A lot of people celebrated Christmas and will welcome the new year without a roof over their heads) 

Below are the photos Vertulfo has taken around the barangays of Tucdao, San Lorenzo, Mapuyo, Ungale, Madao, Bulalacao and Inasuyan in the municipality of Kawayan, Biliran. 

– Rappler.com 

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines –  You could see defeat in the eyes of Vergira Rangis.

Her house was among the hundreds totally damaged in Brgy. Matarinao, Salcedo, Eastern Samar when Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) made its landfall in their town on Tuesday, December 24. 

When it was safe for them to leave the evacuation center on Christmas day, she was stunned to see her house gone, completely swept away by the storm. 

“Namaura ura ngani han an yana kontra han Yolanda. Ky an amon luyo han balay waray adto karuba hin duro. (The effect of Typhoon Ursula to us was worst than Yolanda. During Yolanda, the back part of our house wasn’t destroyed),” said Rangis. It was only 6 years ago when they survived Super Typhoon Yolanda's rampage through Eastern Visayas.

A village of around 544 families, 3,386 houses were totally damaged while 315 houses were partially destroyed in Barangay Matarinao due to the typhoon. (READ: Typhoon Ursula death toll climbs to 41) 

Making use of what’s left 

Rangis said she spent Christmas day cleaning what was left of them – her children’s school uniforms, clothes, shoes, kitchenware among others. 

“Nababaraka ako kay pag January, may klase na an akon mga anak pero an ira mga gamit waray na” (I am worried because my children would not have anything when they go back to school next year because all their things are gone), Rangis added. 

Her husband, who was recently hospitalized due to asthma, was left with no choice but to put off the debris so they would have something to sleep on at night. 

Moreover, she said she was thankful for the tarpaulin she kept with her to the evacuation center. They used it as a stretch of roof to cover their makeshift house. 

Every night, she prays it wouldn't rain.  But when it does, she knew they have no choice but to implore that it stops soon. 

Rangis said all she wanted for the coming year was for her family to have a house. 

“Ada it akon karuyag yana nga new year, ini nga kun pupuydi la, makakuan ako hit amon [panimalay]. Bisan naman la diri dako, makatayo basta makakuan ako hit amon balay.  Bisan waray na namon handa, basta it amon balay, maayad la,” Rangis said. 

(What I want for the new year is for us to have our own house back. It doesn’t have to be big. What is important is that we have a place to stay. It doesn’t matter if we won’t have some food prepared to celebrate, what matters it that our house would be repaired.)

For Barangay councilor Miguel Ugana, 70,  the challenge of the storm continues. He said most of the residents need construction materials to rebuild their damaged houses. 

“Waray paghunong iton pag-inupay hiton balay ky bisan ngani ako, yana, tikang pala ako hiton didto pagbulig hin pagbubong hin luna (People never stopped repairing their house [since Ursula struck]. Just now, for instance, I just came from helping put up a tarpaulin as roof),” Ugana expressed. 

Livelihood also affected 

Since the village is near the coastal areas, most of the residents make a living from fishing.

After Typhoon Ursula struck, Pedro Gagap, 65, spent his time repairing his neighbors’ fishing boat.

Gagap said it would take months before fishing gets back to normal again because of the effect that the typhoon brought to the condition of the seas. Also, the lack of electricity means there is no gasoline supply to power up their lamps and motorized boats. 

He thought doing repairs in the meantime would be a big help to meet his family’s daily needs. 

Emiliano Daiz, 50 years old,  shared the same sentiment. 

Daiz owns a retail store. When the typhoon came, his goods were soaked due to the heavy rain and flood. His house also got flooded and and the roof was blown off. 

“Pagbagyo han Ursula, han yana na, maluya iton namamalit ky waray man gud namon kinukuhaan hiton income. It iba nga tawo didi ha amon barangay, waray man gud iparalit ky waray makakadto ha dagat,”  Daiz said. 

(After the storm hit, there were only a few people buying goods because of the lack of income. Some people in our barangay couldn’t afford to buy because they still can’t go back fishing.)

Daiz said he was worried that his community might not have enough food in the coming days. 

“Tapos it amon problema pa yana it pagkaon gud namon didi makuri it amon kabutang. Ini nga waray namon gud nakukuhaan hin source hiton amon pagkaon (We worry about our current situation. We don’t have a source of where we can get our food),” Daiz said. 

Salcedo Mayor Melchor Melgar said that agriculture was also heavily affected. 

He said the municipality was still recovering from the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, then another typhoon devastated it again. 

“Ang coconuts po ay it will take 5 years or even 7 years para talaga hanggang sa magbear ng fruit para pagkakitaan sana ng mga tao. Tapos na- Ursula kami, kung kailan babangon palang yung industriya, saka naman ulit aanuhin ni Ursula,” Melgar said. 

(Coconut trees take 5 or 7 years before they bear fruit so people can make a living out of it. Then Ursula came. Just when the agriculture industry started to recover, another typhoon destroyed it again.) 

At least P782.97 million worth of updated damage and losses in the farm sector were reported by the Department of Agriculture-Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DA-DRRM) Operation Center on Sunday, December 29. 

The province of Eastern Samar was also declared under a state of calamity on Friday morning, December 27. (READ: Areas under state of calamity due to Typhoon Ursula) 

In the initial report by the Eastern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and the governor’s office, more than 15% of the population of the entire province experienced the brunt of the typhoon. Thus the need for emergency assistance such as food, shelter, and health services. (READ: #ReliefPH: Help those affected by Typhoon Ursula) 

While the residents of Barangay Matarinao would brave through the challenges of the coming year with almost no possessions, they hope they could find a way to recover again.– Rappler.com 

Bookmark to watch on Tuesday, December 31, at 1 pm.

MANILA, Philippines – “About 12,000 Filipinos die on the road every year. How quickly we see this number drop depends on the commitment of the country's leaders,” says Dr Gundo Weiler, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in the Philippines.

This figure shows how road safety is still a major public health and development concern.

In this yearender episode, road safety advocate Vince Lazatin talks to Kuya Bernard, a taxi driver in the Metro, who wrote, designed, and published his own road safety manual and introduces and discusses it with his passengers. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called independent Filipino journalists and the public to defend press freedom amidst President Rodrigo Duterte's attacks hurled against broadcast giant ABS-CBN.  

This came after Duterte told ABS-CBN that it would be better to "just sell" the network as he reiterated that it was unlikely that Congress would renew its franchise months before the expiration of the media titan's franchise. (READ: Duterte to ABS-CBN: Better to sell the network)

In a statement released on Monday, December 30, the NUJP challenged the public "who cherish democracy to band together and protect the free arena of ideas that the closure or forced sale of ABS-CBN would severely weaken."

“The alternative— the death of freedom of the press and of free expression— is too horrible to contemplate,” NUJP added. 

During his term, Duterte has intimidated and harassed media networks through different ways. 

Aside from his threats to ABS-CBN, he has also warned other media outlets, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer, for their alleged biased reporting about him. In 2018, Rappler reporter Pia Ranada was banned from entering Malacañang Palace as well as from covering other presidential events after almost two years of constant coverage. 

For NUJP, the latest rant against ABS-CBN “bears all the signs of a shakedown and raises questions over his real intentions for seeking to block the renewal of the broadcast network’s franchise.” 

In his speech before the earthquake victims of M'lang town in Cotabato on Monday, Duterte also told ABS-CBN, “Mag-renew kayo, ewan ko lang kung may mangyari diyan (You try to renew, let’s see if anything happens).”

NUJP added that these words looked “marching orders” in Congress, led by Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte's defeated running mate and now the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Cayetano has admitted having “personal objections” to renewing the franchise in a clear conflict of interest. 

Because of Duterte’s statements, NUJP said this leaves the network owners, the Lopez family, with a stark choice between selling or losing everything.

“But sell it to whom and for whose benefit?” the group asked. 

This is not the first time that the President had been slamming the network. He did so at the start of his presidency as the network supposedly did not air his political ads during the 2016 campaign. 

“The fact is Duterte has already shown a propensity for coercion, as he did in 2017 when he publicly told ABS-CBN to support his federalism drive and he would agree to settle his difference with the network,” NUJP cited. 

He also slammed Inquirer on Monday, accusing it of being a "mouthpiece" of oligarchs. He also threatened the Ayala family and businessman Manny Pangilinan for alleged corruption in their water distribution operations in Metro Manila, which both have denied. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Make no mistake: it's a non-gratitude gratitude.

On Tuesday, December 31, Grab Philippines started distributing refund worth P19.2 million to passengers, following the Philippine Competition Commission's order. (READ: Grab refunding passengers starting December 31)

This prompted immediate reaction from Grab users online who have started receiving their refund, which they believed was a whole lot less than what they should be getting.

In a statement on Thursday, December 26, Grab said that the refund would cover passengers who have taken trips with their sedan service GrabCar during the following periods:

• February 10 to May 10: P1 for every total accumulated fare of P1,200, with a maximum cap of P120 for 2.7 million passengers;
• May 11 to August 10: P1 for every total accumulated fare of P450, with a maximum cap of P370 for 2.8 million passengers.

The total accumulated fare covers all the GrabCar sedan service trips of a passenger during the specified periods.

Netizens hit the ride-hailing firm with their "thanks" over the P1- and P5-worth of refunds they received, with Grab immediately trending on Twitter by Tuesday noon, December 31.

Some netizens poked fun – amid disappointment – at the refund they got from the ride-hailing firm amounting only between P1-P10.

Some were "eager" to spend their P1-refund, they were willing to pay P49 for the GrabFood delivery fee.

wow i finally got my P1 cashback from grab ghorl pwede na akong bumili ng potchi pwede ba yun ipa-grabfood

— desher (@desher_e) December 31, 2019

Some even had a conspiracy theory as to why the cashbacks were very low.

OMG WHAT IF YOUR GRAB REFUNDS ARE LUCKY LOTTERY NUMBERS

— Ralph Alba (@Eirizu) December 31, 2019

Here's how others reacted upon receiving their Grab refund:

Are you a Grab user? Would you say you are "grateful" for your Grab refund? – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Catastrophic bushfires have destroyed swaths of Australia since September 2019, burning land roughly double the size of Belgium and causing thousands to flee from their homes.

Aside from extensive damage to homes and communities, ecologists fear that months of deadly bushfires may have also pushed several species to extinction, with millions of animals burned in the fires.

At least 24 people have been killed by the raging bushfires in Australia.

Hoping to lend a hand, several Filipino-Australian communities are leading relief drives to help those affected by the deadly bushfires.

Subtle Filipino Traits (SFT) in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Australia and Council of Australian-Filipino Organizations of Victoria (CAFOVI) are appealing for help to provide relief to bushfire victims in East Gippsland and Victoria.

SFT is a Facebook community that brings together Filipinos from all over the world and provides an avenue for them to celebrate their identity.

Highlighting the need for bayanihan (community spirit), SFT called for volunteers who can help in packaging relief goods. Those interested to volunteer may contact the following team leaders found in three areas:

• For Maidstone: Carina - 0431 905 044
• For Ravenhall: Jannine (SFT admin) - message SFT or Jannine directly on facebook
• For Springvale: Jessa - 0401 219 979 

They also accept donations of water and toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, paper towels, and women’s sanitary products. Rubbish bags, used plastic bags, recyclable shopping bags and coloring books and pencils for children in evacuation centers are also accepted.

These items may be dropped off in the following centers:

• Hoppers Crossing: 90 Barber Drive (c/o Cecile)
• January 5 to 10 only, 5pm-9pm
• Ravenhall: Urban Nation Dance Studio, 19/39 Eucumbene Drive c/o Liz Honey
•  Monday–Friday, 5.00pm -7.00pm only
• Maidstone: Talyer Auto Highpoint 8/61 Wattle Road, 8.00am till 5.00pm (Look for Vera)
• Monday – Friday 
• Springvale: Phone Jessa (0401 219 979) for drop-off bookings
• Cranbourne East: Phone Ailane (0475 787 930) for drop-off bookings
• East St. Kilda: 54 Westbury St. Phone Tony (0431 737 536) for drop-off bookings.

According to the Philippine Times, Gawad Kalinga Australia is also accepting cash donations which will be used to buy and distribute food and basic necessities.

Cash donations may be deposited to the following account:

National Australia Bank
BSB number: 083 004
Account number: 74 477 1799
Account name: Gawad Kalinga Australia

Interested donors are instructed to use their surname as reference.

Filipino Community Council of Victoria Incorporated

The Filipino Community Council of Victoria Incorporated (FCCVI) is calling for donations–in cash or in kind – as well as volunteers to help in emergency relief operations for Filipino communities affected by the bushfires.

Cash donations can be deposited directly to the FCCVI charity account:

Commonwealth Bank
BSB number: 063-253
Account number: 1098 4645
Account name: FCCVI Charity Account

In-kind donations such as ready-to-eat meal packs, cereals, rice, water, milk, toiletries are accepted at the following drop off points:

• Philippine House- 93 Cowper St. Footscray Vic. 3011 from 10am to 5pm.
• For Clayton, Clarinda and neighbouring suburbs drop-off point is at 25 Newcombe Court, Clarinda Vic. 3169
• For South Eastern Suburbs, please message Lisa Aquino Di Blasio for pick-up or drop-off arrangement
• For Western Gippsland- contact Samahang ng mga Pilipino sa Gippsland (SPAG), 17 Davey Street Morwell Vic. 3840

For inquiries, people may send a text message to 0413267448. – Rappler.com

Do you know of other initiatives led by Filipino-Australian communities to help those affected by the Australian bushfires? Tag @MovePH on Twitter and use the hastag #ReliefPH. You may also send a message to MovePH on Facebook and Twitter.

Mass unemployment. Landlessness. Escalating prices of goods and commodities. Severe lack of access to basic social services such as health, housing, education, and insurance coverage. These are some of the urgent problems that plague the Filipino people, and these same problems have remained largely unsolved for decades despite the succession of governments.

Included among these problems and one of the least discussed by responsible agencies of government is energy poverty. Poverty caused by lack of access to electricity is a nationwide problem.

According to a report that came out in 2017, some 2.36 million households in the Philippines are still without electricity as of July 2016. These numbers were cited in the study titled "Accelerating the Deployment of Renewable Energy Mini-Grids for Off-Grid Electrification – A Study on the Philippines." It was stated that in late 2017, the level of household electrification in the country stood  at 89.6%; this translated to 2.36 million households without electricity, and many other areas with a limited service of only 4 to 6 hours per day.

It can be said that this same number of households are denied countless economic opportunities and income-generating platforms because of this lack of access. Through the years, various efforts to call attention to the issue of energy poverty and to address its negative impact on the economic well-being of poor and marginalized communities all over the country have been held back, not so much by the lack of grounded, updated, and solid base of knowledge about effective policies that should inform large-scale government and private-sector interventions, but because the focus has been more on profit-generation instead of social service.

A very important first step towards solving the problem of energy is to muster the commitment to help those who are most greatly affected by it – members of the marginalized sectors, namely the workers based in urbanized centers; farmers, farmworkers, settlers, and fisherfolk in the provinces; the urban and rural poor and those living in GIDA areas which include the indigenous peoples. This is what should guide answers to all other questions such as where to start, and how to go about implementing reforms and changes. Informed policies are those that are backed by the firm knowledge of which interventions are applicable for the majority of these potential consumers, and how these interventions can be put in place in the most effective way.

Again, it goes without saying that access to abundant and affordable modern energy is good for society, but lawmakers, the private sector, and the public remain at odds on the way forward to realize this goal.  Should an energy-poor society invest in more coal power plants, or should it convert to solar power and other renewable energy sources? (READ: Making cleaner energy from pesky water hyacinths) 

The interest of policymakers in creating policies should be to improve lives and living conditions,  especially for those suffering the most from energy poverty. Whether only well-off households purchase solar home systems is beside the point; but if solar home systems can help other, poorer households out of poverty by bringing down electricity rates, then the focus of lawmakers and policy makers should be policies and programs to promote these systems as valuable tools in economic development.

At this critical juncture when the world is severely affected by the effects of climate change, national and even local policies should be guided by measures, methods, and solutions that will not exacerbate these effects. Policymakers and energy executives must decide to make use of the country’s most abundant, clean, and renewable energy resources, and invest government funds to develop and promote these same resources.  For instance, policy makers and executives of government from the national offices down to the barangay level should now buckle down and for the first time seriously eschew coal-fired power plants and encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy (RE) is a constantly growing industry in the Philippines, driven to a large extent by the growing adoption and utilization of RE all over the world. And rightly so, because this is one concrete step the country should take to reduce carbon emissions and to fight climate change. (READ: WATCH: Geothermal energy and the Philippines: A match made in heaven) 

Renewable energy resources (geothermal, hydropower, biomass, solar and wind) comprised 25% of the country’s power generation mix in 2017. Renewable energy-based facilities generated 23.19 million megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2017, up by 5.5% from 2016’s 21.98 million Mwh. This shows that there remains enormous potential for RE development in the Philippines.   

Tapping and popularizing the use of renewable energy will help the country meet its goal to end energy poverty. Also, in the last decade, renewable energy technologies have become significantly cheaper compared to diesel- or kerosene-based systems, and cheaper than extending the grid in areas with low populations and per capita energy demand.

Local, clean solutions, like microgrids that run on solar power, can empower poor, small communities to address their own energy needs. The systems are relatively cheap to maintain, and Filipinos who live off their own renewable electricity can stop being vulnerable to volatile fossil fuel prices or the unsustainable demands of the electricity monopolies and unscrupulous electricity providers. (READ: Renewable energy is healthy energy) 

We can end energy poverty by increasing access to clean, renewable, and affordable sources of energy to generate electricity. This will benefit the people, the environment, and the economy in the long run, and with no worries about the potential damage that can be wrought on the country and the planet. There is no denying that increased electricity supplies can contribute to economic growth of communities and the entire country as a whole by bringing down production costs, encouraging innovation, and spurring agricultural and industrial productivity. – Rappler.com