Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon shows a map of Leyte where different international relief organizations are pouring aid. Gordon said it’s their way of ensuring proper coordination of the rehabilitation efforts. MATIKAS SANTOS/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon expressed concern Tuesday that residents in Tacloban are rebuilding their homes in areas that have been declared no-dwelling zones.
“There is a no-build zone in Tacloban, but when you go there it has become a build zone,” he said in a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday.
“In the no build zones, so many are building homes. People likely felt that the progress of reconstruction was slow,” Gordon said.
He also said that schools were another big problem because many remain unrepaired even as many children went back for the resumption of the classes.
“Obviously we have to move a little faster,” Gordon said.
The PRC is among the participants of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) that will be held in Tacloban from June 4 to 6.
The conference will bring together international delegates that are experts in DRRM and Philippine disaster agencies and local government units to share their experiences and best practices.
“This is not rocket science. You can actually prepare for this kind of disaster if you have the resources,” Gordon said.
“You know you are going to need water, you know you’re going to need food, body bags, body identification, etc.,” he said.
Gordon cited the fast and immediate response of military forces from several countries including the United States, Canada, Australia during the immediate aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) as examples of how the Philippines learn to improve coordination between agencies in times of disaster.
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