Government building back better in typhoon areas – Go

MANILA, Philippines — Local government officials in areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette are working overtime to get things back to normal and build back better, Sen. Bong Go said during a recent visit to badly hit Negros Oriental.

“Do not despair because we will not abandon you. The government is ready to help you,” Go said as he accompanied President Duterte in surveying the province last Wednesday. “Wherever in the Philippines, we will come to you to listen to your grievances, provide help, and leave a smile in your time of grief.”

Along with Duterte and Go to personally meet typhoon victims in Negros Oriental, were Agriculture Secretary William Dar and Social Welfare Secretary Roland Bautista.

In Sibulan town, the President’s team met with Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and Reps. Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District) and Manuel Sagarbarria (2nd District).

They also visited Bais City and scenic Manjuyod town where Duterte led the ceremonial turnover of relief goods and essential supplies.

Go also gave away new pairs of shoes, bicycles, cell phones and computer tablets for school use to selected individuals.

During these visits, the President randomly asked residents if they had received the P5,000 cash assistance from the government, to which they confirmed receipt from the local government, said Go.

Go acknowledged that many coastal municipalities such as Manjuyod are still without power while thousands of residents are in dire need of food and drinking water in the aftermath of the most damaging typhoon to hit the country during the pandemic.

To fast-track all rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts, Duterte issued Proclamation No. 1267 last Dec. 21, which placed Regions 4-B (Mimaropa), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga) under a state of calamity.

Go made a personal appeal to Filipinos to offer a helping hand to those devastated by the typhoon.

“We are sad. I am pained to see our countrymen asking for help. If you can help our countrymen... food and water are important now,” he said.

“President Duterte and I, on the other hand, will continue to rotate and help to address such problems immediately. President Duterte wants to return to normalcy immediately. We will work hard to overcome these challenges,” he added.