Asia

In Philippine slums, heat, hunger take a toll under lockdown

MANILA: One by one, Michelle Asinto's six children take the plate of rice doused in soy sauce and eat their share before passing it on.

This is what a meal can look like in the slums around the Philippine capital Manila. Under lockdown since Mar 16, many families have lost regular incomes and forced to survive on government aid that can be sporadic and often not enough.

Advertisement

Advertisement

"Every day we just wait for our ration but it only comes once or twice a week," said Asinto, 42, whose plywood and tin house sits precariously on top of another, reachable only by ladder.

They share a common area with dozens of other people, making social distancing almost impossible. Face masks, though mandatory, are an expense few can afford.

Because her family lives illegally along the trash-filled estuary, Estero de Magdalena, it did not qualify for two cash payments of 5,000 to 8,000 pesos (US$99 to US$158) in aid the government handed out in April and May.

At Aimelyn Robeno's home, three generations are crammed into a tiny, sweltering space, including siblings and 10-month-old baby.

Advertisement

Advertisement

"I actually think I'll get sick inside this house because of the intense heat," said Robeno, 29.

"We may be saved from the virus but it doesn't matter if we're going to die of hunger anyway."

Some quarantine restrictions in place in Manila were eased 10 days ago, but many remain. Transport curbs means no work for rickshaw driver Loreto Vergara who lives in Manila's Tondo area and spends entire days at his 10 sq m home, with his six children, son-in-law and grandchild.

"We're already the most vulnerable, and yet we're still the ones given the least," said Vergara, 47, preparing for a meal of sweet potatoes donated by a neighbour.

"It's really hard to stay indoors in a place like this. It's too hot. It's as if you're under a fire."

Maribel Ballena, 28, has fRead More – Source

[contf]
[contfnew]

channel news asia

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]

Related Articles

Asia

Joshua Wong and fellow activists plead guilty in Hong Kong protests trial

bbc– Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and two fellow campaigners are...

Asia

Works worth Rs 1,559 cr completed in Bihar out of PM s package of Rs 1.25 lakh cr: Congress

PATNA: Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday claimed that works worth...

Asia

Ex-Trump fundraiser pleads guilty to illicit lobbying on 1MDB, China

WASHINGTON: A former top fundraiser for President Donald Trump pleaded guilty Tuesday...

Asia

Covid: Delhi more “open” than Mumbai

NEW DELHI: With Unlock 5.0 underway from October 15, more businesses and...