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Karim Raslan

“We had to smash one of the windows on the second floor. If the water levels got any higher, then at least we’d have a way out.”
On August 11, Zildjien Eligado’s house in Marikina City’s Tumana Barangay (district) was flooded when the tropical storm Karding hit Metro Manila.
Over 14,000 Marikina residents were forced to leave their homes as winds reached more than 90km/h and the city’s river rose by over 17 metres.
“We stayed on the second floor of our house for a few hours until the flood subsided. Then we moved to my sister’s home in Parang Barangay, where the ground is higher.”
By August 20, Eligado and her family had returned home. But the mother of three has found it difficult to adjust.

“We had to borrow money from other people so we could start our lives over again. It is hard to buy food as supplies are low and prices have increased. Rice is now 48 pesos per kilo, up from 42 pesos, and vegetables can go as high as 10 pesos, from 5 pesos before the flood.”
Despite the challenges, Eligado is determined to stay put.
Why left-behind Filipinos back Rodrigo Duterte
“We’re so used to this place. It’s home. Plus, we receive aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development – around 500 pesos per month. It covers our health costs. The government is also building a wall along the Marikina River to help prevent floods.”
In fact, the Philippines is experiencing an enormous boost to its infrastructure. President Duterte has dubbed the programme “Build, Build, Build”. Over the next six years, his administration has promised US$180 billion to construct six airports, nine railways, four seaports and 32 roads and bridges in a bid to end his country’s reputation as “the sick man of Asia”.
The 73-year-old leader has also pledged US$84.79 million to the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, which will include 20 new pumping stations. The project is expected to take 25 years. However progress has been slow.
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“I heard that the government will build pumping stations. I have yet to see them, so I guess it’s just a plan for now,” says Eligado.
And that is not all that is missing.

With a hint of disappointment, Eligado says “Duterte hasn’t paid a visit to Marikina yet”.
Despite its population of over half a million, Marikina City appears to have dropped off the Malacanang (Presidential Palace) ‘to-do’ list.
Indeed there have been three attempted visits. All were aborted. To the chagrin of many, the president’s Special Assistant Bong Go instead appeared along with a Duterte impersonator.

The hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo: #whereismypresident went viral with more than 4,000 interactions.
By comparison, since an earthquake first hit the Island of Lombok on the July 29, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has already visited the island three times. He even chose to watch the Closing Ceremony of the Asian Games with the survivors.
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For a leader that claims to be a “man of the people”, Duterte’s failure to visit has perplexed even his strongest supporters.
But it seems that some like Eligado could not care less.
“I don’t mind. I didn’t vote for Duterte, anyway. I voted Aquino.”


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Rodrigo Duterte

A few things missing in flood-hit Manila. President Duterte is one of them

Duterte. Photo: AP

Photo: Lance Vinola for Ceritalah

While the Philippine government has promised to build pumping stations in the city, Zildjiens says she has yet to see these these developments. Lance Vinola for Ceritalah

Flooding in Zildjien Eligado’s house in Marikina City’s Tumana Barangay (or district) following monsoon rain from the tropical storm, Karding, went up to waist level. Lance Vinola for Ceritalah

Zildjien’s family members, who are determined to stay put despite the challenges. “This is home,” she remarks. Zildjien is pictured second from left. Lance Vinola for Ceritalah

This Week in Asia

Opinion

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Asia

Southeast Asia

Zildjien Eligado’s life was turned upside down when the tropical storm Karding hit Manila, and now weeks later, she notes the president is yet to even show his face


The Philippines

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


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On Reflection

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}On Reflection | A few things missing in flood-hit Manila. President Duterte is one of them

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Zildjien Eligado’s life was turned upside down when the tropical storm Karding hit Manila, and now weeks later, she notes the president is yet to even show his face

On Reflection | A few things missing in flood-hit Manila. President Duterte is one of them

Zildjien Eligado’s life was turned upside down when the tropical storm Karding hit Manila, and now weeks later, she notes the president is yet to even show his face