Malacañang has admitted that it could not immediately provide all the necessities to the survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” since the destruction was extensive and deep.
“We must pay attention to the damage done by Super Typhoon Yolanda which is extensive and deep,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
“And based on experience of a lot of countries abroad, this could not be done within the time period given, which is two years, that all necessities of all families affected can be given right away,” Coloma said.
“That is why the government is exerting all efforts in order to boost public service. And, the government is also urging all stakeholders to unite and help each other in order to bring solutions to all these problems,” Coloma also said.
Coloma also urged those affected to make the names and addresses known to the government if they have not yet been given assistance, so that the government agencies will be able to provide them with needed assistance such as provision of water supply and emergency shelter assistance.
Yolanda survivors and cause-oriented groups have taken the Aquino administration to task for its snail-paced work on the provision of shelter and rehabilitation efforts in the typhoon ravaged areas, particularly Tacloban City.
Last April 2015, the government said it extended P2.259 billion worth of financial assistance for government employees living in five regions affected by the Yolanda and the deadly earthquake in Bohol.
The fund release was approved by President Benigno Aquino III during an earlier meeting with the Cabinet in Malacañang on rebuilding efforts in Yolanda-hit communities.
Coloma said financial aid for this purpose will cover “the first batch of 48,995 employees from national government agencies based in Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII, and VIII.”
Coloma noted that the houses of these state workers were “totally, heavily, or partially damaged by Typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol earthquake.”
Aquino earlier ordered Cabinet officials to speed up rehabilitation efforts, particularly the construction of housing units in areas damaged by Yolanda.
In November 2013, Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons on record to hit land, devastated areas across Visayas, leaving 6,300 people dead and displacing at least 1.4 million families.
A strong quake in Bohol in October 2013, meanwhile, left 222 dead, and destroyed heritage sites in the province.