Report Amidst Floods, Filipino Resilience Shines at Church Wedding

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Photo courtesy of BBC

 

In a heartening display of determination, Jamaica Aguilar walked down the aisle of Barasoain Church in a stunning white gown, her father at her side. Yet, what should have been a typical wedding scene was marked by an unusual feature: rainwater lapping at her knees. Heavy monsoon rains and Typhoon Wipha had flooded the church, located north of Manila, Philippines.

 

The couple's story went viral, symbolising Filipino resilience in the face of natural disasters. Astonishingly, this wasn't the first such event. Two years prior, another couple experienced a similar wedding at the same location, highlighting the ongoing flood crisis exacerbated by inadequate urban planning and climate change.

 

Jamaica and her groom, Jade Rick Verdillo, faced a tough decision on the eve of their wedding. Warnings of worsening weather led them to contemplate postponing. "It was a critical decision," Aguilar told the BBC. Ultimately, they prioritised their commitment and the presence of loved ones, proceeding with the ceremony despite the challenges.

 

Following the nuptials, the couple and their guests took preventive doses of doxycycline to fend off waterborne diseases like leptospirosis. Only hours later, the church hosted a funeral, showcasing the community's resilience and adaptability amidst continuing floods.

 

The Philippines, one of the world’s most cyclone-prone countries, grapples with around 20 tropical cyclones annually, half affecting the nation directly. Typhoon Wipha, the third storm this year, has already claimed six lives and displaced tens of thousands. With predictions of more cyclones on the horizon, communities brace for further challenges.

 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s forthcoming State of the Nation Address is anticipated to touch on flooding solutions. His preparations faced criticism when viral images of government staff erecting his portraits during the crisis sparked public frustration. Critics argued that resources should have prioritised disaster response.

 

Marcos, currently in Washington discussing trade with US President Joe Biden, emphasised his administration’s disaster preparedness efforts before departing. But, the flooding crisis remains a pressing issue.

 

Metro Manila, home to over 13 million, bears the brunt of the floods. As one of the world's densest cities, its outdated sewage system from the early 1900s is overwhelmed. “Seventy per cent silted and clogged,” Manuel Bonoan, public works minister, reports, stressing the urgent need for modernisation.

 

Geologist Dr Mahar Lagmay points to poor urban planning, with roads replacing natural waterways, as a major contributor. Solutions, he suggests, must consider various factors like tidal patterns and potential dam failures.

 

Efforts are underway. The government is crafting a master plan to address flooding, with World Bank assistance. Immediate measures include repairing 32 water pumping stations in the capital to ease drainage system pressure.

 

Mr Verdillo, reflecting on his waterlogged wedding, remains hopeful. "The government should invest in flood gates, pumping stations, and wider canals," he advocates. “Though improvements won't be immediate, progress is possible if we focus on mitigation.”

 

As communities adapt to challenging conditions, the call for long-term solutions grows. From extravagant weddings to everyday life, the Filipino spirit continues to shine amidst adversity, inspiring hope for a future where such scenes are mere memories.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-24

 

 

[jcmj]

Must be an old story if Marco is in Washington discussing trade issues with President Joe Biden. 🤣