 |
| Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon yolanda (Photo by:Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo bureau) |
In his proclamation announced on nationwide television, the President said Yolanda caused “widespread death, destruction and incalculable damage in several areas,” particularly in the Visayas region and the province of Palawan.
“The declaration of a state of national calamity will hasten the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance,” he said in the proclamation.
He added such a declaration will effectively control prices of basic goods and commodities in the affected areas, and allow the government to use appropriate funds for the relief and rehabilitation efforts and allow the government to provide the much needed services to affected populations.
Under the proclamation, all departments and other concerned government agencies are directed to take part in the overall rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation work.
They are also directed to work hand-in-hand with the affected local government units, providing or augmenting the basic services there.
On the other hand, law enforcement agencies with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines are to “undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary.”
President Aquino said the state of national calamity will remain in force until he lifts it.
The President also appealed for calm and sobriety, as he assured that help is on the way to affected communities. PND
President Aquino releases P1.1-B for relief efforts
President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved an additional P1.1 billion in Quick Response Funds for the Departments of Social Welfare and Development and Public Works and Highways for the quick recovery of those areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
In his televised address on Monday evening, President Aquino also announced the declaration of a state of national calamity, days after Typhoon Yolanda devastated much of Visayas and southern Luzon.
“Kasabay nito, idinedeklara po natin ang state of national calamity upang mapabilis ang mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan para sa pagsagip, paghahatid ng tulong, at rehabilitasyon ng mga probinsyang sinalanta ni Yolanda,” the President said.
“Mahalaga rin ito, hindi lamang para panatilihing kontrolado ang mga presyo ng mga pangunahing produkto at serbisyo na kakailanganin ng ating mga kakabayan, kundi upang maiwasan din ang overpricing at hoarding ng mga mahahalagang bilihin,” he added.
He also announced the additional P1.1 billion Quick Response Funds for DSWD and DPWH.
“Inaprubahan din natin ang kabuuang P1.1 billion para pandagdag sa Quick Response Funds ng DSWD at DPWH, para sa agarang pagpapatupad ng mga kinakailangang suporta para sa muling pagbangon ng mga kababayan nating hinagupit nitong trahedya,” he said.
In his address, the President also thanked the PAGASA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Phivolcs, and the DOST for the detailed information, which allowed local government units to prepare early for Typhoon Yolanda.
“Ito ang nagbigay-daan para sa iniuulat na mababang casualty count mula sa ilang mga probinsyang dinaanan din ng bagyo, tulad ng Oriental at Occidental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Aklan, at Romblon, kung saan maagang nakapaghanda ang lokal na pamahalaan,” he said.
He said the government is now focusing its efforts to help those areas severely affected by the typhoon, particularly Leyte and Samar.
He said the DPWH has been clearing roads blocked by debris and electric posts.
“Ayon na rin sa kahilingan ng mga lokal na opisyal, nagpadala tayo ng karagdagang 800 mga sundalo at pulis sa Tacloban upang ibalik ang kaayusan.
May tatlong repacking center po tayong naglalabas ng di baba sa 55,000 mga family food pack kada araw; inatasan na po natin si Secretary Abaya ng DOTC upang imando ang pagdadala ng mga relief goods kung saan ito pinaka-kailangan,” he said.
He said the government has 18.7 billion pesos from calamity funds, contingency funds and savings that can be used for rehabilitating Typhoon-affected areas. He also said that there are 22 countries that have pledged or have given aid.
“Dumarating na rin po ang tulong mula sa ibang bansa; 22 bansa na po ang nagpanata o nagbigay na ng tulong, kabilang na ang Indonesia, Amerika, Inglatera, bansang Hapon, Singapore, New Zealand, pati na rin po ang Hungary,” he said.
“Tumutulong na rin po sa iba’t ibang paraan ang pribadong sektor upang ibangon ang mga nasalanta, gaya ng sa pagbabalik ng daloy ng komunikasyon at pati ang pagmimintena ng krudo sa mga apektadong lugar.” He said.
President Aquino also assured Filipinos of more aid for typhoon victims. He also called for sobriety.
“Sa mga darating na araw, maaasahan ninyo, lalo pang papaspas ang ayuda.
Ang panawagan ko lang po: Ang pagiging kalmado, pagdarasal, pakikisama, at pakikipagtulungan.
Siya ang magpapabangon sa atin mula sa sakunang ito,” the President said. PND
Palace chides some Filipinos for exploiting Yolanda situation
Malacañang on Monday chided some Filipinos for exploiting the situation in some areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said this is a time Filipinos should band together and help each other, instead of taking advantage of the miseries of others.
“Iyon po ay isa sa mga concerns that we will have to address. Right now, we are doing clearing operations and we would urge our fellow Filipinos huwag naman po i-take advantage ang misery ng kapwa Pilipino. Hindi ho siguro magandang gawin iyon (It is one of the concerns that we’ll have to address. We urge fellow Filipinos not to take advantage of the misery of other Filipinos. It is not the right thing to do),” he said at a media briefing.
“This is a time where all Filipinos should band together, help each other and not to take advantage of the misery that has befallen all of the affected areas in Eastern Visayas,” he added.
Lacierda made the call after being informed that some Filipinos driving habal-habal (modified motorcycle) are charging people traveling between Ormoc and Tacloban Cities up to P4,000.
Several Filipinos are still reeling from the effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which devastated parts of Visayas and Southern Luzon last weekend.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said it is important to establish command and control in affected areas, such as in Tacloban City, to curb looting.
Almendras said the government has to establish “command and control in a scenario immediately” and it has managed to do so in Tacloban. PND
No comments:
Post a Comment