Design Against The Elements (DAtE)

Photographer Veejay Villafranca talks about his experience taking snapshots of Ondoy and underscores the importance lasting solutions like sustainable and disaster-resistant housing.

Can you tell us more about what you saw, felt and experienced as you took photos of the Ondoy aftermath?

It was quite intense actually. I’ve covered quite a few disasters and calamities but as they say it’s always different when it happens in the city where you live. The East area, where a lot of my friends live, was totally devastated and the day after the wrath of Ondoy I can’t help but think if they are safe. As the days went on and as I roamed the greater Manila area to cover the devastation, things like disaster relief, urban planning, proper housing and access to healthcare were running through my mind and I thought, how can the government address these issues? It was also when I entered ‘gated’ communities that it really hit me – communities that had millions of pesos in investment in their properties, communities that lived more comfortably than their neighbors weren’t spared as well. Ondoy was indeed a great equalizer of sorts.

What places in Manila, in the Philippines, did you particularly take pictures of in the Ondoy aftermath? What conditions did you see in each place (the people, the houses, etc.)?

I started shooting the Eastern part of Manila (Pasig, Cainta, Rizal). Thousands of families were relocated in temporary areas such as gyms with unhygienic toilets and cramped spaces for each family. In some areas tents from NGOs started coming but not to everyone. It was indeed helpful to most but to those families who have nowhere to go, they were more keen in returning to their houses, or what was left of it, and these was something that was hard to look at as we all know that the threat of repetition of a disaster won’t leave but these families weren’t given any other options but to take such a huge risk. Food distribution and medical support was ample, I think, while the evacuees were in the centers.

What was the most striking thing you saw as you took photos? What image impacted you most?

The most striking instance or image that affected me was the massive displacement of families and the issue on relocation. How sustainable will their relocation be and how ‘safe’ will the houses be in terms of withstanding another typhoon? There was no direct image that had a huge impact on me but more than anything else it’s the current state of the people living in precarious situations due to poor planning and building materials. And also how will the authorities address the issues of the marginalized community after this.

Among the conditions you saw, what did you feel were the consequences of climate change? What is your take on climate change in general?

Climate change is a very generic term for me. Realistically, do you think those who strive to make ends meet, put a meal in the table three times a day, would have time to think about climate change and how this impacts their lives? I bet they don’t. Life is hard enough already for them that they don’t need more problems to think of. For me, it is basically nature’s way of saying that we have exceeded our limit in taking natural resources. Due to this excessive or greedy attitude, there are now irreversible consequences we have to face. In this aspect we have to be ready, then there are also the polluters who need to be identified, and apprehended if need be.

What can you say about the Design Against the Elements (DAtE) challenge?

The challenge is huge, but it is very good that it has been presented to the public so everybody will know the consequences we are facing with regards to the extreme weather conditions in our country. The challenge should also be replicated in other municipalities that are prone (proven through time and research) to floods and landslides.

Anything else you would like to say about DAtE, climate change or your experiences on capturing disaster-related images?

Again, there should be replication and sustainable support from LGUs and partner organizations towards this. Ideas are always good, putting them to practice better, but the most important thing is how it is continuously practiced and developed so it becomes a way of life rather than a fad.