Binay gives aid, Aquino to visit storm-hit CDO, Iligan

MANILA— While Vice President Jejomar Binay flew to Cagayan de Oro City early yesterday morning and handed out relief goods, President Aquino will schedule a visit to the City of Golden Friendship and flood-battered Iligan City this week.

Deputy spokesperson Abigail Valtes said the Palace has decided to not yet announce the schedule of the President’s “forthcoming” visit since Mr. Aquino wanted national government agencies to focus on coordinating their actions before his arrival.

Valte said the devastated areas have been in dire need of water and that government agencies have been bringing in water tankers and canisters.

The government might have to fly “portalets” or portable toilets for use in evacuation centers, she said.

“We welcome any and all donations from the public and private sectors,” Valte also said in an interview over government radio dzRB.

On reports that US State Secretary Hilary Clinton was offering US assistance to the devastated provinces, Valte said the Palace would defer to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center to respond to the offer.

Valte said the Palace has been focused on providing help and relief to typhoon victims rather than pinpointing at this time who should be held accountable for the loss of many lives.

She noted that as early as Dec.14, the weather bureau had already started to warn local government units of Sendong’s might.

Close to 500 persons were killed in floods brought by Sendong in Visayas and Mindanao.

Binay yesterday distributed 2,880 bags of relief goods to city residents staying at the evacuation centers in Barangay Macasandig, particularly the City Central Elementary School and West City Elementary School.

Binay also pledged to give 10,000 packs of relief goods in the city and another 5,000 in Iligan City.

He also directed the Office of the Vice President to hold relief operations in Iligan.

The Vice President went to funeral homes, and extended cash assistance and his condolences to families who lost their loved ones due to the massive flooding.

“Let us pray for our countrymen who were stricken by the storm. Let us help them get back to their feet to the best of our ability,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Vice President also discussed with Cagayan de Oro officials the possible relocation of residents living along rivers and coastal areas.

“In housing, these areas are considered danger zones because they are prone to disasters. We must find a safe place for the residents to stay,” said the Vice President, who is  chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.  “INQUIRER