A tide that does not lift all boats: the surge of remittances in post-disaster recovery in Tacloban City, Philippines. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Yvonne; Lim Mangada, Ladylyn
• Is Part Of: Critical Asian studies. Volume 50:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Remittances -- humanitarianism -- post-disaster recovery -- Philippines -- poverty; Asia -- Periodicals; 950.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14672715.2017.1401935
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-2715

Abstract

ABSTRACT: For the last forty years, remittances have been a lifeline for some Filipinos in times of crisis as well as everyday life. So, it was no surprise when the media and nongovernmental organizations credited the Philippine diaspora with playing a significant role in post-disaster recovery after Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda struck in 2013. While remittances poured in after this disaster, they were differently experienced, had different impacts, and led to uneven post-disaster outcomes. This article highlights the class-based inequalities that structure access to and mobilization of remittances after post-disaster recovery. We compare the experiences of middle- and lower-class households in three communities heavily affected by Haiyan in Tacloban City, Philippines, to investigate who benefitted and who was excluded from remittances in this post-disaster recovery. The findings of the case study shed light on wider issues of poverty, class, and vulnerability in the Philippines.