NDRRMC urges gov’t critics to help in recovery of Yolanda-hit areas

Philippine military personnel unload relief goods to be distributed to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan at the airport in Tacloban, Philippines, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Stop criticizing and proposing nothing.

That in essence was the sentiment ventilated by executive director Eduardo del Rosario of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)  Tuesday  amid scathing remarks that the government has been slow in aiding survivors of   super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).

“Let’s stop the negative criticisms. Let us all move forward. Let us be constructive for the benefit of the people,” Del Rosario said in a televised press briefing, marking the 10th day after the deadly typhoon crushed the Central Visayas.

Since “Yolanda” battered many towns in Eastern Visayas last Nov. 8, the Aquino administration has been drawing heavy criticism for launching a  “disorganized” relief effort.

“Those who are criticizing negatively should instead help so they can do something relevant,” added Del Rosario, who noted that constructive criticisms are “welcome.”

Cadaver management

As the death toll from the monster typhoon jumped to 3,982, Del Rosario assured that all responsible government agencies were tapped for intensified search and retrieval operations of cadavers scattered in the typhoon-devastated areas.

“All agencies were given tasks to handle cadaver management,” he said adding that the Department of Health, local government units, Department of Public Works and Highways, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police’s Scene of Crime Operations and the military have been asked to help.

So far, 1,602 people were still listed missing.

Meanwhile, the cost of damage to agricultural products and infrastructure reached P11.7 billion.

Recovery

Echoing the pledge of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Del Rosario committed to the restoration of electricity in the affected areas, particularly Samar and Leyte, before the end of the year.

“We assure that before December 24, power will be restored in urban centers and municipal centers. However, we cannot promise that electricity in all barangay (villages) will also be restored,” he said.

Despite the destruction in urban areas in the Visayas provinces, Del Rosario said the economic activities in these centers were starting to recover.

“Because the economic activities lie in the urban centers, this will be a good trigger mechanism. Everything else (in the small towns) will follow as soon as the businesses in the city proper normalize,” he added.

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