Ninong Ry’s Heartfelt Plea for Accountability in Flood Control Failures
NINONG RY – After decades of living with rising waters, Ninong Ry shared his frustration online, pointing to mismanaged funds that should have solved the problem long ago.
Malabon-based food vlogger Ninong Ry used his voice at the Trillion Peso March to highlight the country’s worsening flood situation and denounce the corruption he believes lies at the root of it.
Back in July, after days of torrential rain, the content creator posted photos of his own submerged kitchen and living room. The experience pushed him to consider relocating his studio. On September 21, he shared a lengthy Facebook post detailing how flooding has shaped not only his life but also that of countless Filipinos.
“Buong buhay ko, binabaha na kami. Mahirap, pero naging parte na ng buhay namin. Akala ko parte lang talaga ng buhay. Natutunan naming tanggapin. Natutunan naming mag adapt. Natutunan naming lunukin na lang ang sama ng loob kasi wala, ganun talaga eh.“
Though his online posts often appear lighthearted, Ninong Ry revealed the heavier toll behind them. He recounted the many times he had to start over — buying new appliances, repairing vehicles, and mourning personal belongings washed away by floods. “Nakikita nyo sa mga post namin tungkol sa baha na parang tinatawanan lang namin. Na para bang sanay na sanay na kame. Na para bang ok lang. Ang totoo, hinde. Naiiyak ako sa napakaraming pagkakataon na kinailangan ko ulit na magsimula. Bili ng bagong gamit. Pagawa ng motor. Mga family album na inanod. Malaki ang perang nawawala tuwing baha pero pucha, hindi lahat nabibili ng pera.”
He also shared one of his most difficult experiences: when his wife had just given birth and their home was once again engulfed by floods. “Nung kakapanganak lang ng misis ko, binaha kame ng matinde. Ako bilang sanay na, pinapakalma ko siya pero ang totoo. Nababaliw na din ako… Isa, dalawang beses, baka ok lang e. Minsan delubyo talaga. Pero yung ganto? Yung paulit ulit na? Di natin deserve to.”
The vlogger said his frustration grew upon learning that funds meant for flood control were allegedly diverted. “Tas biglang lalabas ang issue na ang lintik na budget pala para hindi maranasan tong mga bagay na to e napunta lang sa mga taong sakim? Ang sakit sa loob ko. Ang sakit sa loob natin.”
He concluded by appealing for accountability and lasting solutions, stressing that Filipinos should not have to endure the same suffering over and over. “Hindi deserve ng Pilipino to. Hindi natin deserve na paulit ulit anurin. Hindi. Pinagdadasal ko na sana kung sino man ang mga taong nasa likod nito e magbayad… Tama na to. Hindi natin deserve to. Ayusin nyo to. Hindi namin deserve to.”
READ ALSO: Ninong Ry Says Goodbye to Studio After Another Flood: “Oras na siguro…”