Good to hear

I am elated to hear that the government is already taking steps to improve and correct the shortcomings that were exposed by typhoon Yolanda. Just the other day, the president tasked DENR Sec. Ramon Paje to enforce a "no-build zone" along the country's shorelines, in light of the storm surges that typhoon Yolanda generated. The waters that swamped the coastline and even as far as Tacloban City proper itself cause the most death and damage, which I believe is still rising. The president would also like a typhoon-proof communication system in place in all major cities, especially those in the possible path of a typhoon. It can be recalled that during the height of the typhoon and several hours later, all forms of communications was lost, thus hampering the immediate coordination of relief efforts. Power and phone lines were down which also contributed to the communications blackout.

The Department of National Defense is also eyeing the acquisition of more C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The C-130 proved its worth when runways were already operational. The country currently has three C-130 aircraft, one of which had to be serviced, leaving only two to do the hard work of flying relief goods between the islands. Refurbishing a C-130 to bring it back to life would cost almost half a billion pesos. But its carrying capacity is amazing which is why many air forces all over the world continue to use it, albeit more updated versions than what we have. If the PAF will have its way, they would like to have nine more Hercules. Who wouldn't?

I would like to hear the government consider the acquisition of heavy-lift helicopters such as the Chinook, Seaking, Sea Knight, Sea Stallion or Jolly Green Giant. If C-130s are very useful once an airport is functional, helicopters are the best when there isn't. Helicopters were the first on the scene when Tacloban airport was still non-operational. And when the Americans came with theirs, including the impressive and breathtaking MV-22 Ospreys, things really sped up for the relief teams. It would be nice if we had a few Chinooks. If we could buy an Osprey, all the better. They can carry heavy equipment like generator sets and bulldozers to the most remote of places that can immediately go to work.

There are also calls to design houses capable of withstanding 300-kph winds. I'm not sure if there is such a house short of a military bunker, but if there was, I would think that would cost a lot of money. Building it on a mass production scale may be quite a challenge. But if any one can swing it, great! I still am wary of the cost. Technology is always expensive.

All of these acquisitions will definitely cost a lot of money, which may be the very thing the country does not have. Perhaps we can ask for donations from the rich counties that answered our call for help. Maybe we could get a loan for disaster preparedness. I'm sure there is a way. But the government may have to face a different obstacle. Even now, there is strong opposition to the "no-build zone" from those who live off the sea. They just cannot be displaced without thinking of their livelihood. Understood. But if it was a choice between that, and staying alive? That's a no-brainer. 

The government has their work cut out for them.