[Post 980] Resigned To Floods In The Philippines? How Filipinos Have Changed The Way They Live | Insight

Summary

The new normal. That is how Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has characterised the country’s frequent flooding. With climate change bringing more frequent and intense typhoons and rains to the archipelago, flooding affects millions in the capital Manila. In July, over 80 towns and cities declared emergencies as Typhoon Co-May swept through the Philippines.

From changing how they build homes to adjusting their travel and work schedules, Filipinos have literally changed the way they live to adapt to this new normal. The government spends over US$6 billion annually on flood mitigation, yet each year, as the monsoons return, these measures fail to hold back the deluge. Meanwhile, a corruption scandal over flood control projects have resulted in widespread protests.  As sea levels continue to rise and the climate becomes more erratic, are Filipinos resigned to live with this “new normal”?