Gov't to ensure sustained rehab work in Yolanda-hit areas
Friday 24th of January 2014
MAKATI
CITY, Jan 24 -- With just 20,000 hours – or two-and-a-half years – left
to get its work done, the government is adopting long-term measures to
ensure the rehabilitation work in areas hit by super Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan) will continue even after the Aquino administration’s term ends
in 2016.
Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and
Reconstruction Panfilo M. Lacson said his office has adopted an
understudy that will continue its work even after the Aquino
administration ends on June 30, 2016.
“We have no other option
but at least to have substantial compliance, 85 to 90 percent by June
30, 2016. But we are also engaging an understudy para maski wala na kami
pwede patuloy pa (we are adopting an understudy that will continue our
work after our terms end),” he said at an interview in Makati City.
He
said this will complement the private sector here, which he said can
continue working in the affected areas after so many administrations.
Lacson
said that if many of these private sector firms are committed to do the
rehabilitation work, “they will stay there because they have a sense of
commitment” to get the job done.
In the meantime, he said his office hopes to see some structures built in the next six months to one year.
Also,
he said his office will continue to coordinate with the private sector
and with foreign sponsors on the rehabilitation work.
Up to now,
he said many people affected by Yolanda still lack the basics, citing
the case of some people in parts of Samar who are forced to live in
caves.
Meanwhile, Lacson reassured residents and local government
officials in the affected areas his office will remain color-blind as
far as political affiliation is concerned.
“One thing I learned
in this job is being color-blind. We’re dealing with different political
personalities, and I always emphasize to them when I talk to them, na
huwag kayong mag-alala kasi color-blind kami rito (don’t worry because
we work with you regardless of your political color),” he said.
“Ang
problema kasi, pag pulitika ang pumasok sa usapan, hindi mayor ang
pinaparusahan mo kundi mga tao, mga biktima. At kung tutulungan mo ang
area, hindi mo tinutulungan ang mayor, governor or congressman, ang
tinutulungan mo ang mga taong nagsa-suffer. So yan ang outlook namin ang
attitude namin. And it will stay that way (If you start looking at
people through their political affiliation and withhold aid, you are
punishing not the official but their constituents. And if you help a
local government, you are not helping the local official but the people
they are supposed to serve. That is our outlook and it will stay that
way),” he added.
Lacson also reiterated his office will observe
minimum requirements in the implementation of rebuilding structures such
as schools and multi-purpose halls.
He said schools and
multi-purpose halls should be resilient and can serve as emergency
evacuation centers, while hospitals should be able to serve as command
and communications centers. (PCOO) - See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1751390473133#sthash.garUqNo2.dpuf
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