Imelda concerned for Leyte following 'Yolanda's' devastation

MANILA, Philippines - Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos expressed much concern over the catastrophic devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda in her home province of Leyte.

"With great concern, of course, and we are keeping her apprised of the situation on the ground and what we have been doing to help," said Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when sought for comment how his mother and family are taking the devastation caused of Yolanda in Leyte.

The senatorrevealed that the family members tried to isolate the 84-year old wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos since she is just recuperating from a recent confinement. But recently the flamboyant former first lady has already been allowed access to television where she saw the massive devastation of the super typhoon.

"We tried to downplay the extent of the disaster, but she had already been following reports on TV. She's feeling much better," Marcos said.

According to Sen. Marcos, they have not checked on the condition of the family ancestral house in the province because he and his staff are busy coordinating relief efforts in the affected area.

"We have not really inspected the house in Leyte," he said.

Sen. Marcos added that he and his office are just now trying to mobilize all resources to help in the relief efforts.

The senator stressed the need to get potable water in Leyte.

"Fresh water is now the concern so we have been trying to get portable water treatment plants there. Also, water filters for immediate use are being acquired and slowly distributed," he said.

Marcos also see the lack of coordination in the distribution of relief goods in the affected areas.

"There seems to be lack of organization in dispatching goods from Cebu and many donated items have not left for stricken areas. We are trying to help expedite that,
He said.

Marcos had launched the HelpLeyte.PH to serve as a hub to provide updates and help coordinate relief efforts for the victims of typhoon. The project is a joint effort with the senator and Rep. Martin Romualdez and Mayor Alfred  Romualdez.