Displaced in La Isla Bonita

CAVITE, Philippines – Bonifacio Morbos, 36 used to be a tricycle driver back in Tacloban. He earns P300 a day without fail and earns twice as much during the copra season. 

Today, as a street sweeper, Bonifacio is earning just P30 a day.

 “Dati sapat na ang araw-araw kong kita sa pagmamaneho ng tricycle. Kaya na nitong pakainin nang tatlong beses isang araw ang pamilya ko. Ngayon pati misis ko tumutulong na para lamang makaraos kami,” Morbos said.

To make both ends meet, Minchi, Bonifacio’s wife, makes doormats and table wipes. The couple admitted they need to work hard to earn more now that one of their 3 children will be entering elementary school this coming June.

‘The waters took them away’

Mercedes Desta, 60, has worked hard all her life to make sure her big family would live decently.

“I worked abroad for years. Made a good living, earned a respectable wage. My husband and I were able to put up a 3-story house. We have a car. We were happy,” Merced said.

Six months ago they used to be a family of 10. Now it’s just her and Leilani, a government worker back in Tacloban.

“It’s just Leilani and I now. My husband, my 7 children, our house, car were all gone. The waters took them away,” Merced said. 

‘If I could go back, I would’

Carmelita Gahi, 55 contemplates going back to Guiuan in Eastern Samar. According to Carmelita she could no longer bear the heat of summer and sharing cramped space with 20 people makes her head spin.

Together with her husband and the families of her 5 daughters they left Guiuan after losing their properties and livelihood.

The Gahis were quick to rebound after the tragedy. Carmelita was able to put up a small sari-sari store. The husbands of her children were also able to find work – as fishermen and carpenters. But still Carmelita feels uncomfortable. She misses Guiuan.

“If I could go back, I would,” Carmelita says with an uneasy smile.

 Climate migrants

The Morbos, Desta and Gahi family left their hometowns after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) ravaged their communities 6 months ago. Today they live in Rosario, Cavite’s La Isla Bonita, along with 92 other families. 

The island has been home to typhoon survivors. It provided a steady supply of potable water, electricity, a nearby hospital and possible means of livelihood. Despite the convenience, many families still left and opted to return to their former homes.

Others remain.

When asked why, Bonifacio, Mercedes, and Carmelita all had a common answer. There is nothing to go back to. – Rappler.com