Aquino issues orders to prevent a repeat of ‘Yolanda’ disaster

President Benigno Aquino lll. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino has issued directives to government agencies to prevent a repeat of the devastation wrought by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, said that the president’s directives are another entity from his approval in principle of the Cabinet’s recommendations on critical actions to be taken after the recent typhoon.

“Livelihood assistance for farmers and fishermen has also been prioritized due to the extreme damage to crops and coconut trees and the disruption of fishing activities in the typhoon aftermath,” said Coloma in a statement.

Mission orders

Coloma added that the President would meet again with the Cabinet on Friday to resume the discussions on the rehabilitation process that happened last Wednesday.

The Cabinet will also tackle efforts to be done in Bohol, Zamboanga, and Central Luzon after Typhoon Santi struck.

The secretary said that the budget for all rehabilitation efforts would amount to P38.8 billion, with nearly 80 percent of which will go to infrastructure projects.

Aquino tasked Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo to update the list of the severely affected areas as priority for rehabilitation, Coloma said.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje was tasked to issue a detailed Memorandum Order for the implementation of No-Build Zones, and to implement a mangrove reforestation program on the coastlines of Leyte and Samar and other similarly affected areas.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Abaya and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson were to prioritize the rebuilding of the Tacloban Airport, which is considered as the transport hub of Eastern Visayas.

The two department heads were also directed to look at an “all-weather airport” in line with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ program to make structures more resilient.

Also, Aquino directed all other government agencies to submit to the DOST and DPWH complete geo-tagging reports on damaged public buildings which will be used as a basis for post-disaster needs assessments.

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