Coron gradually recovering from Yolanda disaster

Relief goods arrive at the Coron Coliseum after typhoon Yolanda struck the province last weekend. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines – Coron, a tourism haven in Palawan, is back on track, its mayor said Tuesday about two weeks after super typhoon “Yolanda” battered one of the country’s famous tourist spots.

“We have been getting . . . international and local [tourists],” Coron Mayor Clara Reyes said in an interview on Radyo Inquirer 990AM, 11 days after their municipality was hit by Yolanda.

Coron listed at least 20 fatalities from the monster typhoon.

Apart from tourism, Reyes said Coron’s fishing industry is also recovering, and operations to rebuild destroyed houses were ongoing as relief goods continue to pour in for typhoon victims.

“We’re coping very well . . . everyone is helping each other . . . Right now our municipality is moving on. Clearing operations are continuing,” Reyes said.

Meanwhile asked about supposed plans of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to adopt their municipality under the adopt-an-LGU program, Reyes said she welcomes the idea, but noted that there has not been any formal talks on the matter.

“But so far, it has all been initial talks only . . . just informing me of such program but there has not been any planning or any consultation with regards to it,” she said.

Earlier reports said that through a resolution local executives of Metro Manila would identify areas badly hit by Yolanda and adopt them in order to help these areas recover from the disaster.

Along with Coron, MMDA also adopted Sulat town in Eastern Samar.

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