Thread by @tonyocruz

Calamities are reason why we form a government. We provide government with the organization, manpower, money, resources and training to address emergencies in any part of the country. We expect government to work for us, especially at times like this.

People outside Cagayan Valley are watching helplessly as we receive endless news of fellow Filipinos there desperately asking for help. Apparently, the LGUs alone cannot handle the sheer magnitude of the ecological humanitarian crisis. National government must step in.

The people of Cagayan Valley are Filipinos too. They pay taxes to the national government. They are entitled to quick and adequate response from national agencies. National agencies should address their emergency needs.

There's a gap in media coverage on Cagayan Valley bec:
1. Distance from Metro Manila, the base of national media
2. Local media and journos in Cagayan Valley also affected by floods
3. "Strict" quarantine rules in Region 2, which banned entry of national media

Important parenthetical notes:

The low profile of Cagayan Valley news is partly due to the forcible closure of ABS-CBN, along with its regional network group which also used to cover the region.

Most of the region's lawmakers voted to deny ABS-CBN a new franchise.

Some journalists have called on Cagayan Valley authorities to "relax" quarantine rules, and allow national and international journalists to enter the areas. Other journalists have also volunteered to submit swab test results, just to be allowed in.

Information is essential right now, to save lives.

The most that we could rely on right now are:
1. Cagayan Valley local journalists, artists and professionals
2. LGU public information officers
3. Campus journalists
4. Citizen journalists and bloggers
5. Citizens themselves

In addition, those in Manila and elsewhere who have relatives, colleagues, and friends in Cagayan Valley could obtain from them first-hand information on what's happening. Photos and videos preferred.

Things we could do now:

1. Support #ReliefPH ops for Cagayan Valley
2. Demand that the national government to take immediate action.
3. Pressure LGUs to let journalists in, with appropriate safety protocols
4. Call on national agencies to report on Cagayan Valley

(more)

5. Forward, collate and map calls for #RescuePH as posted on Twitter and Facebook
6. Spread emergency numbers for Cagayan Valley
7. Keep updated about the region
8. Read up on Cagayan Valley and Cagayan River

#CagayanNeedsHelp

Individually, we cannot do so much. But collectively, we can force the hand of government to do the right thing.

Cagayan Valley needs champions right now. Be their champion.