ECOWEBPH

Seven (7) provinces in Oriental Mindoro were heavily affected by typhoon Quinta (Molave) and super typhoon Rolly (Goni) with 9 deaths but still counting. The affected population is approximately 209,457 persons or 49,557 families in 787 Barangays.

Among the heavily affected are the Mangyan tribe in Oriental Mindoro estimated to number  100,000 to 280, 000 or 7.5% to 21% of the entire population of Mindoro.

Initial report from partner secrtoral representative of the Indigenous People to the National Anti-Poverty Commission, Ms. Judith Maranes, indicated that 2,390 Mangyan households from the adjacent municipalities of Baco and Naujan in the province of Oriental Mindoro were identified to be needing assistance for recovery from the impact of the successive devastating typhoons within a week time on Oct. 26 and Nov. 1. Severe damage to houses, farms and livelihood were reported.

Mangyan indigenous families in said devastated municipalities had to evacuate to avoid loss of lives. Many live in mountains and near rivers that were exposed to risk of flash flood and landslides.

As part of their preparedness, the Mangyans have taken account on their capacities to mitigate damaging conditions and prioritized practical strategies that reduce the risk of injury, death and other damages.

Also, according to Patrick John F. Mamba of Buhay at Kinabukasan Development Foundation Inc., the Mangyans have developed internal adaptation and coping strategies that would hopefully make them all safe from sudden occurrences of disasters most especially strong typhoons like that of typhoon Rolly.

“Each family got some banana stems, banana leaves bamboo and coconut leaves. The heads of the family fixed the materials together and attached it very close to the soil. They have evacuated to this site before super Typhoon Rolly hits the place for the second time this year.” said Mamba.

These displaced Mangyan Indigenous Peoples remained in the mountains and waited for the flood to subside before they can go down to check on their destroyed houses and livelihood.

Their fruit trees, which is their main source of income, were all cut down by the strong wind and their root crops are submerged with muddy water due to the heavy rainfall.

It was also indicated that the funds of the local government unit were depleted as it was used during the pandemic response phase.

Assistance for shelter construction materials is expressed need to enable them to build back their home. Some survivors also appeal for food assistance while they rebuild their houses and rehabilitate their damaged farms. Seedlings of fruit trees and crops were also requested.

Baco has 27 barangays and a population of 8,248 households comprising of 37,215 individuals. Adjacent municipality of Naujan has a population of 102,998 with six barangays largely affected of the super typhoon Rolly.

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