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The members of the National Union are deeply concerned about the situation in the central Philippines following Typhoon Rai. There is a critical need for support for those directly impacted by this disaster." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Ottawa (12 Jan. 2022) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is supporting Oxfam Canada’s humanitarian response to Typhoon Rai that struck the Philippines in December 2021. On behalf of its Components, NUPGE has donated $15,000 from its John Fryer Fund.
Typhoon's impacts are devastating, ongoing
Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, struck the Philippines in December 2021. It was the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the region last year.
The typhoon has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. It caused widespread damage to homes, land, and critical infrastructure, with farming and fishing sectors particularly affected, according to Oxfam Philippines and Oxfam Canada.
The situation has worsened existing poverty and hunger, contributing to malnutrition and deaths continuing in the aftermath of the storm (Al Jazeera). Altogether, millions of people are affected.
Worsening existing inequities
Oxfam Canada notes that “climate-fuelled extreme weather events, compounded by economic fallout from COVID-19 and existing inequalities, have pushed millions of vulnerable people in The Philippines to the brink of hunger and poverty.” Extreme weather events and storms are projected to get worse and happen more often due to the climate crisis.
The United Nations has raised concerns that the aftermath of the typhoon is still worsening. Agencies have noted that the risk of gender-based violence and exploitation is rising during the crisis (UN News).
NUPGE supporting the humanitarian response
“The members of the National Union are deeply concerned about the situation in the central Philippines following Typhoon Rai,” wrote Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer, to Oxfam Canada. “Indeed, there are members of our National Executive Board who have a direct personal connection with this region and are anxious to assist.”
“There is a critical need for support for those directly impacted by this disaster,” continued Blundon.
NUPGE is pleased to offer support to Oxfam Canada for the humanitarian relief efforts in response to this crisis. Working with local partners, Oxfam is helping to restore access to clean water and safe and accessible washrooms, to provide emergency food, shelter, and hygiene supplies, and offer health support.