Gov’t eyes completion of 25,000 Yolanda projects by 2016

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MANILA, Philippines – Around 25,000 programs and projects related to the rehabilitation of areas affected by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) is set to be completed before President Benigno Aquino III steps down in 2016, Malacañang said Wednesday.

“There are 25,000 specific programs, projects and activities in the CRRP (Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan). Each one has a timeline,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said after a special Cabinet meeting on the implementation of the CRRP.

He said the timeline and parameters of the projects were presented before Aquino and his Cabinet.

“If we look at the allocation of funds, about 30 percent are allocated for projects that are expected to be completed in 2014; about 50 percent will be implemented in 2015; and the remaining 20 percent will be for 2016,” he explained.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, was present at the meeting but it was National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz who presented the report for the resettlement cluster.

On Tuesday, Coloma announced that Aquino had signed Administrative Order 44, which streamlines and fast tracks the processing of permits and licenses and other requirements for resettlement projects.

Asked if there was any tension among Binay and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who are both being considered as a possible presidential candidate in 2016, Coloma said there was none.

Earlier in the day, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Cabinet members were focused and attentive to the discussion.

“The president is verifying all assumptions, determining if sufficient urgency is being shown and maximum effort done to ensure build back better is not only on track but can be expedited as much as possible and with clear deadlines and goals,” he added.

In addition to resettlement, they also discussed other clusters, including infrastructure and social services.

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