Gladiola
ABOUTTHECOVER
Derived from the word community, Komyu Stories feature the narratives of the Filipino masses from the urban poor communities to far-flung rural communities. This issue mirrors the social reality of the Bicol region by zooming into the compelling features of various regional sectors.
The articles in the first volume include interesting stories about the struggles of the working class, Filipino families, and the collective advocacies pushed by scholars ng bayan to serve their fellow countrymen.
ABOUTTHEMAGAZINE
Championing the collective struggle to truly serve the Filipino masses, the Komyu Stories Volume I curates a meaningful journey of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing its readers through the compelling stories from the urban poor communities and far-flung communities in Bicol.
The 20-page release critically explores various social issues that many marginalized sectors face amidst the promises of Bagong Pilipinas and the worsening political Warfare in the country. The magazine features how the working class experienced de facto liberation and false democracy in the 21st century.
The magazine zooms in on the story of farmers, market vendors, public utility vehicle drivers, and community workers and how the population suffers from inflation rate and massive disinformation-driven influence operations (IOs) networks that cage them to the ploys of the country's political giants.
REAL STORM
As the Philippines' eastern gateway, the Bicol Region bears the consequences of typhoons and storms But it's not just nature's fury that claims lives; corruption's insidious grasp has turned natural hazards into devastating disasters.
In 2019, Typhoon Tisoy (Kammuri) ravaged Bicol, affecting 300,000 residents and causing PHP 4.2 billion in damages (NDRRMC). While in 2020, Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) left 160,000 displaced and PHP 12 8 billion in losses (DPWH).
Quite recently, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito, both of which haven't been fully documented yet in terms of casualties, have once again shown how the land of zero casualties is truly a land of paralyzed disaster preparedness.
Of course, beyond the statistics lies a haunting truth: corruption has compromised disaster preparedness and response
Flood protection projects, meant to safeguard vulnerable communities, have been sacrificed for personal gain Greedy individuals prioritize their interests over people's lives, leaving the poor to bear the consequences.
While several billion pesos worth of flood protection projects per province was put in place, its use has also washed the drain Either because it was nonexistent or was fabricated in reports.
Sadly, it is the marginalized communities who suffer disproportionately.
So, as part of demanding climate justice, it is also demanding the importance of accountability for the lives of countless Bicolanos who were sacrificed by the greed of the few.
Thirsty Kristine victims in Albay village forced to boil, drink floodwater for survival
Reinnard Balonzo
The desperation in Libon town, Albay, was palpable as villagers watched their lives drown in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami)
Days after the storm, several areas in Libon remained submerged Survivors were forced to take drastic measures, including boiling and drinking floodwater to quench their thirst and prevent dehydration
In Libon, nature had turned daily survival into a fight against time and elements, and the long wait for relief only added to the growing despair.
The flood’s aftermath painted a scene of devastation – animal carcasses and debris floated alongside the trapped residents, and the stench of decay, mixed with mud and waste, made survival feel more like an endurance test.
Habner Quiapo, a resident of Barangay Bulusan, could only recount the horror as her home disappeared beneath the floodwaters
“Our entire house was washed away by the raging flood, leaving nothing behind The water was so forceful that we feared we would drown while trying to save some of our belongings,” she said.
But the rising water wasn’t the only battle they faced. With food and clean drinking water dwindling, Quiapo and her family were left with an unimaginable choice: they had to boil and drink the very floodwater that destroyed their home.
“It took a long time before we were rescued, and we had no choice but to boil the floodwater so we could have something to drink instead of being pulled into the roaring flood,” Quiapo said.
They weren’t alone Other families, trapped for days, resorted to the same grim solution, boiling the floodwater to avoid dehydration as they waited for help to arrive
Quiapo and her family are just one of countless families displaced by Kristine from 10 of the hardest-hit communities in the municipality, according to an assessment by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Data on the actual casualties are still being consolidated by the MDRRMO.
Residents estimate that it will take another days if not weeks for the floodwater to fully recede given that Libon serves as a catch basin for water flowing from adjacent towns in the third district of Albay and Bato, Camarines Sur, making it more prone to prolonged flooding
“Because this is the waterway through which floods from nearby municipalities drain, it could take two weeks for the flood to subside. Kristine displaced many households, so it will take months for the town to recover,” said Carl Sedutan, a resident and youth volunteer who raised funds to help residents from Libon.
However, before they can begin repairing their destroyed properties, another tropical storm has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)
The rainbands of Tropical Storm Leon (Kong-rey) may also bring rain to Bicol and other northern parts of Luzon This means that any rain Leon dumps on Albay could worsen the flooding
The province remains under a state of calamity, as many areas have been severely damaged, and most routes are either flooded or remain impassable, hampering relief efforts and the transportation of goods.
Farmers’ plea
Rice fields have turned into virtual lakes due to the flooding, prompting farmers to seek government assistance to restart their operations
Without any other source of income, Jeanette Tumbado, 48, and Maria Clorado, 65 –both farmers for more than 20 years – lamented that the water destroyed much of their expected harvest
They had hoped to produce 50 sacks of palay (unhusked rice) each, which they could sell for some P1,000 per sack. However, Kristine struck too quickly, before their crops were mature enough to be harvested
“We were unable to harvest the rice in our fields before Kristine arrived, but even if we had, it would have been pointless because many of the farmers here who did had their crops inundated in water for several days, causing spoilage to the harvested crops,” Tumbado said, her voice choked with tears.
Clorado said they have yet to receive any notice of agricultural aid She said they no longer have enough money to buy supplies to repair the field damage caused by Kristine
“We are calling for help, hoping to regain even a portion of the capital that we lost to help us recover. We don’t have anything left to start over,” Clorado said.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Disaster Response and Reduction Management (DRRM) Operations Center, Kristine has caused some P80 million in agricultural damage, primarily in the Bicol and MIMAROPA regions
The DA has yet to release a full and comprehensive report. –this story was originally published at Rappler.com
Bicol artists bring art relief to traumatized Kristine survivors
Reinnard Balonzo
The debris still clung to roads, and in many villages, homes lay in tatters, remnants of lives swept away by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine But even as communities struggled with physical loss, another battle persisted: the emotional toll etched in the faces of survivors, who now sifted through memories as fractured as the ruins surrounding them
A group of Bikolano artists decided to take their work beyond canvases and clay They brought their tools directly to the people, setting up makeshift stations in some of the hardesthit areas. Food packs were delivered with each visit, but the artists carried more than physical sustenance; they aimed to offer a way to untangle the lingering trauma, using art as an unlikely but potent remedy for post-storm shock
Deejai Tanji, Albay’s provincial art consultant, explained how artists can help victims cope with painful experiences through art relief programs She said the initiative allows those affected by the disaster to freely express their emotions, which they may struggle to do verbally due to difficult memories.
“We need a technique to assess their emotional well-being because of how difficult their experience was caused by the recent disaster We need to understand what they are experiencing and what is in their thoughts Of course, we believe it is through art,” Tanji said
Most of the children who participated in art relief programs illustrated how traumatic it was for them to be trapped by life-threatening floodwater The majority of these children were also displaced because the flash floods destroyed entire houses
Art vs trauma
Asked how art relief works, Ken Andrei Cuarto, a licensed psychometrician and psychology professor at the Divine World College of Legazpi, said it can be a good way to cope with trauma or lessen impairing stress, especially since most victims are unable to talk much about their experiences due to discomfort or shyness
“When someone’s creating art, it helps their body and mind feel safer and more relaxed Think of it like giving your emotions a chance to come out on paper or canvas instead of keeping them bottled up inside,” Cuarto explained
According to him, it can allow people to express their sadness or other emotions without feeling awkward
Research studies have also confirmed that it can be particularly beneficial for those who are overwhelmed by emotions as a result of what they witnessed after a disaster
He added: “Sometimes talking about tough experiences can be overwhelming, but drawing, painting, or sculpting can make it feel more manageable Plus, it’s pretty amazing how many people find peace and healing through art when traditional therapy doesn’t work for them or may be inaccessible at the moment.”
The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol, through its mental health unit, has also implemented art relief programs for disaster victims In collaboration with the Psychological Association of the Philippines-Bicol Chapter, they’ve been providing “psychological first aid to disaster-stricken victims ”
Cuarto said that by default, they restrict the provision of psycho-emotional treatment to licensed and capable experts who have had adequate training to perform such interventions
“Allowing volunteers to administer these interventions without the necessary qualifications causes more harm than good At best, volunteers should establish mechanisms that allow for quick and easy referrals to these professionals,” he said.
Bicol art movement
Inspired by how art can drive positive change, Bicolano artists have raised funds by selling their work and donating the proceeds to those in need
Some even launched fundraising campaigns, collecting funds to support nongovernmental groups or fund their own relief efforts
Meanwhile, PedXing KoLab is an annual showcase of new, untested plays by Bikolano playwrights, similar to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Virgin LabFest but focused on the region The name “KoLab” reflects the collaborative and experimental nature of the event.
Unlike past cycles held in December, PedXing VII will be staged this year in November Julie DM Bega, a senior artist at Sining Banwa, announced that proceeds from the event will support art relief initiatives for victims of Tropical Storm Kristine “Pedxing’s proceeds will go towards providing art relief to the community Every centavo will be used to help children and the youth receive psychosocial interventions this coming December,” Bega said
She said that, in addition to preparing for PedXing, they are conducting relief operations to meet the immediate needs of the communities before starting art relief efforts
She said volunteers in relief programs could provide intermission activities, like music or dance performances, to offer psychosocial support and remind victims they are not alone in their recovery from the physical and emotional challenges of a disaster.
Cuarto said, “I agree with how relief operations should be augmented with psychosocial interventions because recovery doesn’t start and end when people are given donations. By incorporating psychosocial interventions, we allow victims to slowly but surely transition to recovery.”
Bicol’s machines of deceit: Exploiting poverty, manufacturing truth
When desperation collides with disinformation, Bicol’s political groups exploit economic hardships to perpetuate their hold on power. They polarize information and manufacture beliefs, strong-arming electoral manipulation, particularly in rural areas where reliable information remains scarce
At Kennedy Village, Albay’s largest relocation site in Mauraro, Guinobatan town, displaced residents face not only the aftermath of calamities, but also an information void. With limited access to reputable news sources, many rely solely on their cell phones for communication and news consumption
Among them is Marcy Bayta, a mother of three, pregnant with her fourth child Burdened by urgent household needs, Bayta said verifying information is a luxury she cannot afford Even now, Bayta said she is convinced that the late strongman Ferdinand E Marcos’ dictatorship was the “golden age” of the Philippines an era, she said, when people were supposedly well-fed and supported by the government
Asked about her source, her answer was unequivocal: Facebook
Propaganda, attacks on journalists undermine press freedom in Bicol
Amid a deluge of digital falsehoods, ordinary Filipinos consume their daily dose of lies with little awareness, while some local media outlets frame the news in ways that quietly shape public perception and distort the reality of people’s struggles In this landscape of manipulation, the quality of information available to the public is both a weapon and a casualty
Campus journalists Ashley Quinones and Zhinny Lao, both from Sorsogon, paint an unsettling picture of their province’s informational landscape Despite pressing social issues, many residents remain woefully uninformed about their struggles
Quinones and Lao attributed this to a persistent digital divide that leaves communities vulnerable to a steady stream of misinformation a reflection of the superficial and inadequate coverage of social issues in Sorsogon’s media ecosystem.
“Most residents in our province are still misinformed about what’s happening in their communities They often believe the curated news they see online, which is filtered and mixed with political advertisements,” Quinones said
Those in power control the flow of information, focusing media narratives on tourism and economic developments, while the real struggles of marginalized groups are largely ignored by both traditional and online media outlets
“You only see reports about Sorsogon’s beautiful attractions or its development progress, while issues faced by farmers, fishermen, and other marginalized groups are often left unreported on both TV and Facebook,” Lao added READ THE FULL REPORT BY
Bicol emergency hotlines suffer disruptions amid surge in rescue requests
Reinnard Balonzo
Due to the high volume of messages and calls, along with internet connectivity issues in many areas still submerged in the Bicol Region, the 9-1-1 and other emergency hotlines have been experiencing downtime as rescue operations continued on Thursday, October 24
“Because of the influx of rescue requests, calls and messages are queued for our dispatch team While we cannot guarantee rescue for everyone today, we do our best to forward requests to other rescue teams by coordinating with local government units,” said Jane Tam, a lead emergency response volunteer stationed in Pasay, who remotely assists locals from Camarines Sur and parts of Albay.
Tam, along with her friends Jonalyn Elevado and Ray Elevado, expanded their operations from one small team to three, now helping hundreds of Bikolanos still in need of rescue
Since 8:30 am on Thursday, Tam and her team have faced major challenges and delays reaching Barangay San Miguel in Nabua, Camarines Sur, and nearby areas due to strong water currents They also reported communication breakdowns because of power outages, which have hindered coordination with their on-ground volunteers
“Communication channels have been experiencing downtime because we currently lack a power source for our responders to charge their devices,” Tam said
Flooding continued to affect parts of Camarines Sur, and the province has not yet been fully energized to prevent further electrocution incidents
Melody Joy Adille, the team leader of the 9-1-1 emergency hotline in Legazpi City, reported similar issues, leading them to use an alternative hotline for emergencies. They also partnered with the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) in Bicol and Rappler to help disseminate the alternative number to those trapped and in need of rescue.
“While the situation is more manageable now, calls continue to come in one after the other In recent days, the volume of calls was overwhelming, and prank callers further complicated our operations,” Adille said
According to Adille, they have had to double-check calls to verify whether they were legitimate, as prank calls can lead to serious consequences Once a number is flagged as a prank, it is permanently blocked by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from reaching emergency hotlines
“We urge everyone to avoid making prank calls so we can focus on responding to those in urgent need of help,” Adille added. She noted that it would be helpful if callers could provide crucial information, such as the location and nearest landmark, the number of people needing rescue, and the contact details of individuals involved
“We coordinate with various agencies to deploy rescue teams, provided we receive the necessary details directly,” Adille said
The 911 Bicol headquarters shared an alternative contact number for emergencies: 0977-772-3909, which can be used when the original hotline is down
Limuel Carl Epino, an online disaster response volunteer, stressed the importance of volunteers in ensuring that rescue requests posted online are communicated to authorities for immediate action
“When relaying emergency details to rescuers, we do our best to monitor social media posts from people asking for help so we can report them to rescue teams. There is a significant gap between people and disaster response teams, as many are unsure what to do first, so they turn to social media,” Epino said.
He clarified that the “FB Rescuers” act as a bridge between disaster victims and rescue teams, mainly focusing on alerting government response units to ensure timely assistance
“During Tropical Storm Kristine, we noticed problems with the government’s emergency hotlines Many numbers posted online were unreachable, so we stepped in. Despite being overwhelmed, we managed to help,” he said
Youth volunteers in Bicol are calling on the government to invest in improving the capacity of 911 and other emergency hotlines, as well as upgrading the rescue equipment provided to local government units Many netizens have launched donation drives and relief efforts for those affected by the Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, offering load assistance to those needing to report emergencies
LGBT, Multi-sec volunteers lead relief aid in Catanduanes amid lags gov’t response
Reinnard Balonzo
After Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) twice landed in Catanduanes, affecting an estimated 58,497 families, or at least 221,613 individuals, volunteers primarily from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), various sectors, and private organizations united to provide urgent help for the victims. The Project Agarang Tulong: Serbisyong no Delay was the first to provide aid to thousands of Catanduanons as government relief efforts were delayed because of the province’s limitations on disaster response
“The project was the first to provide immediate relief for the residents through multi-sectoral unity. Through our volunteers and the help of the private organizations, we were able to augment the effort in terms of finance, logistics, and on-ground services right after the typhoon,” said Niko Templonuevo, a youth volunteer and the chairman of the Project Agarang Tulong.
According to Templonuevo, since the project kicked off, they were able to provide not only the immediate needs of the residents but also legal assistance for those who needed to file affidavits for their damaged or lost properties
We provided hot meals, free charging for mobile phones and emergency lights, free internet access, medical check-ups, and legal services, including notarization of documents such as affidavits of loss This is to ensure that the victims of Pepito receive urgent aid while waiting for the relief goods from the local government,” he added
Aside from providing hot meals and relief services, the volunteers were also able to help in the preliminary assessment of the affected communities in the province. According to them, among the most hit areas were the northern towns of Catanduanes, including Caramoran, Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, and Gigmoto
Spa-GAY-teh gives hope, renewal
Meanwhile, Amega Sardines: Good forda Heart, a local organization comprised of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, and Queer (LGBTQIA+) community, also rolled out immediate hot meal responses, which they call SpaGAY-teh and PAN-cit na bato ni Darna for equality
Both Spa-GAY-teh and PAN-cit na bato ni Darna are word plays by Amega volunteers that only mean spaghetti and pancit warmly cooked for residents as a reminder that they can collectively survive the storm and help each other rebuild their lives again.
John Olesco Alcantara, Amega’s founder, shared that many people still think that gender is a basis for someone’s ability to help, but according to them, it is shared humanity that must drive relief efforts beyond what the common gender roles dictate.
“In times of calamities, one should stand up and offer a hand, not solely based on their gender. They must do so because it's their duty as responsible individuals to carry and spread kindness and empathy. Besides, it is our shared responsibility to foster our humanity,” Alcantara explained.
According to Ruth Ibatuan, one of the residents from San Rafael, Catanduanes, who were severely affected by the onslaught of Pepito, Amega’s project became a crucial help for the survival of many members of their community, especially since their town is considered far and hard to reach by relief efforts
“We were greatly affected by the typhoon, especially because all of our abaca and coconut crops were damaged We didn’t know where to get food and help to start over. The simple pancit and spaghetti were not only able to ease our hunger but were also able to help ease our feelings of helplessness and loneliness,” said Ibatuan.
Ibatuan and many other residents are the ones keeping the members of Amega more driven to serve the community.
Train accidents in Albay raise alarm over safety measures
Reinnard Balonzo
Authorities and residents have expressed alarm over a series of train accidents in Albay, the last of which resulted in the death of a teenager in Barangay Inarado in Daraga town
At least 14 people have figured in three train accidents in the province over the past 60 days, the latest being a 17-yearold female who died in Barangay Inarado, Daraga town, around 8:40 pm on September 10.
Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Azotea, Daraga police chief, said the last two accidents occurred in the same barangay in less than a month
“We, at the Philippine National Police, are doing our best. If we see that there is a liability on the part of the train operator, we will file a criminal case,” Azotea said
Azotea said the recent cases were still under investigation and appealed to the public to take precautions near or when crossing railways.
“We want to remind the public that when crossing the railway, not only in Daraga but anywhere, if possible, open your vehicle’s windows so that you can hear the train’s siren and avoid accidents Those in the residential areas, please help the authorities in ensuring your safety by following the safety signages and policies,” he said
Gina Sanchez, a woman living near the railroad for over 24 years, said she was worried for the safety of her three grandchildren after the recent accidents.
“I really couldn’t sleep for days because we were so scared for the children’s safety I also always remind them not to cross the railways, especially when they hear the train,” the 52-year-old Sanchez said
Sanchez said it was alarming because many children were playing on and along the railroads
“I do laundry every day but when the train passes, I put down whatever I am doing and warn the children to stay away from the railings so that they don’t get hit by the train,” she said.
Sanchez and other residents are concerned about the old railroads, a damaged wooden bridge connecting sections of the tracks, and dangerous train crossing spots they fear could lead to more accidents
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) route between Legazpi City and Naga City currently passes through several densely populated residential areas and traffic crossings without barriers, unlike the platform barriers in Metro Manila.
Many Filipinos live near railways due to economic hardship and a lack of affordable housing. Informal settlers often build homes along rail tracks because the land is accessible and, in many cases, unregulated. Despite the dangers, these communities remain, as residents have few other options.
Call for help, accountability
Rolando Andes, a 59-year-old resident of Bagtang, Daraga, for more than 30 years, was involved in a train accident on July 8 He lost several fingers and he was left unable to work for nearly three months as a result.
“I didn’t even receive even P5 in aid when I was hospitalized. There was no help or even a representative of the PNR who checked on me after I had the accident,” Andes said
He said he paid at least P10,500 in hospital bills, excluding the cost of medications Unable to work, he said he had to beg for alms from passersby for his medical needs.
Meanwhile, Azotea said the PNR has implemented several safety measures. He added that the PNR has installed security features and safety signs to remind people to stay cautious
“Last week, the PNR had clearing operations with the PNP, especially in crossings as a precautionary measure The PNR is doing their part in avoiding such incidents,” Azotea said
Rappler tried to ask PNR about their policies in dealing with accidents, but no one at its Legazpi could provide answers relative to the recent accidents – this story was originally published at Rappler.com
THE PURGE
Reinnard Balonzo
Grim and distasteful, Philippine politics never failed to bring more horror to today’s global scene as the world watches how ‘The Purge’, an American dystopian horror action film, comes to life. With how slow and bloody the justice system has eroded over the years, more and more human rights defenders fall to the purge’s maze while the tyrants who capitalize on impunity stay free to roam the cities of their own Eden.
Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a community journalist detained for trumped-up charges, has been denied justice for over four years. On November 11, 2024, Cumpio testified in the regional trial court against her trumped-up charges, including terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
She, along with the other four activists, were illegally arrested in February 2020 Media and human rights groups have been calling for the release of Cumpio and the two others who are part of the Tacloban Five, which has been detailed for years without any clear evidence for their alleged crimes
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s murders led to thousands of casualties from the clear violations of the drug on the war's extrajudicial killings (EJK), albeit clear and saturated evidence, staying afloat and unpunished.
Many of the supposed defenders of the people, afraid and cowardly to go against these political giants, watch how the Dutertes are always changing and monopolizing the narratives.
Dutertes and his ponies stay in the highest seats and continue to reap the privileges of the imperialist and feudal systems that dominate the country’s slot justice mechanisms These monsters still live in mansions and villas while enjoying the lives of bloody kings
These two ends of the same prong show how the abyss gap in the operations of the justice system did not appear out of thin air but has been designed to work in the favor of those who control the pedestal that blinds the justice turtle.
The real problem is not only on the slowness of our justice system but more on how we also let the same problems we inherited centuries ago still loom over the contemporary ages: it’s the lack of collective empathy to even try unblinding the turtle the same problems of how The Purge allows the collapse of humanity.
Unlike the film, Filipinos still have the power to change the narrative and give justice to Cumpio and countless other human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations. We also have the power to clang the call for accountability for the victims of EJKs
It’s time to [escape from] destroy The Purge.
komyu PLAYLIST ^
Scan the QR code to listen to the tracks we collated for you to enjoy while you read our magazine issue.
REINNARD SANTILLAN BALONZO
has been a campus journalist for over 13 years, a researcher, a paralegal, a cultural and humanitarian aid worker, and a national awardee for gender and development writing. He often writes community and investigative stories about human rights, politics, information, and technology.
He is a member of the pioneering cohort in the Asia Pacific Region for International Media and Journalism Development and was awarded The Icon by Rappler and Deutsche Welle International Akademie. Reinnard leads the Kusog Bikolandia 2024 project and the wide network of volunteers aiming to reach 100,000 Bikolanos by capacitating them with MIL skills and bringing various advocacies closer to the communities.
He was an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow at Rappler and Journalism for Nation Building Foundation (JNBF), the Chairperson of the College Editors Guild of the PhilippinesBicol, and a sought-after speaker and judge in various fields of journalism.
As journalism remains the most powerful tool to influence social reforms, journalists must continue to report transformative stories that will genuinely represent the marginalized sectors’ underlying issues. The whole organization is centered on producing critical reports partnered with initiatives and collaboration to fuel the transformation of the community