President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Wednesday government agencies to swiftly provide the necessary assistance to survivors of super typhoon Yolanda, exactly ten years after the disaster hit Eastern Visayas.
In his speech during the 10th Yolanda commemoration anniversary in Tacloban City, President Marcos urged the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) to fast track the provision of housing units and land titles to beneficiaries.
President Marcos also urged the Yolanda Response Clusters “to work closely with concerned local governments to address the lingering issues of the different affected communities.”
“Let us continue to work hard so that we can provide them with the tools and the resources to rebuild their lives,” President Marcos said as he acknowledged the city government of Tacloban “for rising above this challenge and working hard to strengthen the locality’s disaster resiliency.”
The President also recognized Tacloban’s disaster risk reduction and management efforts through the creation of contingency, public service and disaster response plans both at the barangay and city levels.
“Your endeavors to establish emergency evacuation SOPs and emergency response teams are noteworthy and serve as examples for other local governments around the country. Equally important is your collective action to protect and rehabilitate your communities through reforestation, river embankment and stabilization, and other environmental conservation programs,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos visited Tacloban City for the 10th Yolanda Commemoration Anniversary where also led the wreath laying ceremony at the Yolanda Memorial Monument and remembered the typhoon victims.
The President also extended his gratitude to the international community who extended their assistance to the Filipino people and the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), especially for the rehabilitation of Tacloban City.
“To the survivors who continue to move forward, we salute your indomitable spirit and character. As we commemorate this 10th Year of Yolanda, let us continue to offer our prayers for our dearly departed, even as we find our own path towards peace, towards healing, [and] towards recovery,” President Marcos said.
“To all the national leaders, to all the local leaders, then and now, the private sector, the international [and] local organizations, volunteers, [and] donors: accept our eternal gratitude,” he added. PND
