Ivana Alawi addresses criticisms after she gave relief goods in the middle of floodwaters
Ivana Alawi has responded to online criticism over the way she distributed relief goods to flood-affected residents.
On her social media account, the actress and content creator shared a reel showing her organizing a relief drive for residents affected by the flooding.
In the video, she explained that she filled two trucks with food and other essential goods that she later personally distributed to those in need.
"Nakakaawa sila dito. Wala na ngang ulan, tapos bumabaha pa. Grabe 'yung baha," she said.
"Kapag nagkakagulo na dun sa lugar na pinagbibigyan namin at hindi na namin ma-control, lumilipat na kami sa ibang lugar para marami ang mabigyan," she added.
At the end of the video, she lamented how many Filipinos continue to face the same fears and challenges whenever flooding strikes.
"Nakakaawang isipin na paulit-ulit na lang nating nakikita ang mga kababayan natin lumulusong sa baha. Kinakabahan sa tuwing uulan, takot sa bawat pagtaas ng tubig, at nag-aalala na baka bukas, wala na naman silang tahanang uuwian," she said.
"Sana hindi relief goods ang paulit-ulit na maging solusyon. Dahil ang tunay na solusyon ay hindi lang pera at relief goods. Sana hindi na sila mabaha at sana hindi na nila kailangang lumusong sa baha ulit. Sana maayos na ito," she added.
Her video drew some backlash online, as some questioned why she distributed in the middle of floodwaters, and not in a dry area. Alawi subsequently addressed this criticism in the comments section.
"Sa mga nagkakalat ng hate dahil bakit hindi sa tuyong area tumigil, sana alamin niyo din kung bakit nandoon sa gitna ng baha ang truck natin, nasiraan ito at hindi na makaandar ng bandang hapon," she explained.
"Kaya habang sinusubukan naming ayusin para lumipat sa ibang area, may mga biglang pumila at nag stop din kung saan tumirik. Bumabalik lang din kami sa area kung san natigil ang truck namin para makahakot din ng relief goods para madala sa ibang area. Sana ay maunawaan din ang buong sitwasyon bago tayo manghusga," she added.
Many parts of the Philippines have recently been affected by heavy rains and flooding as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to bring wet weather to Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that rainfall is expected to weaken over Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and the CALABARZON area by Sept. 2, although heavy rains may still affect other parts of Luzon.
