TACLOBAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 18, 2013) – Filipino leader Benigno Aquino inspected Leyte province in central Philippines ravaged by super typhoon Haiyan and said he will stay there to oversee the government’s disaster response and efforts to put back normalcy more than a week after the disaster.
More than 3,000 people died from the typhoon, according to government estimates, but the toll could be higher as workers clearing debris on the provinces continue to pull decomposing bodies.
In Tacloban City where Aquino inspected a rice warehouse was briefed by officials about efforts to feed hungry survivors, many angry over the slow response of the government to address the devastation.
He also took time to pose with volunteers who were repacking rice and other relief goods for typhoon victims.
Aquino said until he sees substantial progress in relief work for typhoon survivors, he will stay in Tacloban.
He said he wanted to see more efficient work from the teams conducting relief work on the ground, this after more and more survivors were complaining about how disorganized the government in handling the disaster.
“Hanggang makuntento tayong okay na ang sitwasyon, na wala nang maidadagdag pa dito (Until I am satisfied that the situation is okay, and when there is nothing else to improve on),” he said when asked how long he plans to stay here.
Aquino admitted the progress of relief work has so far fallen below his expectations.
“Yung marami tayong inaasahan after one week, hindi ko nakikita. So baka dapat… Kaya nandito tayo ngayon, tutok na tutok (I had expected much more substantial progress after one week but I did not see it today. So perhaps what is needed is for me to personally keep an eye on things),” he said.
“Hanggang wala akong makitang maidadagdag ko pa dito, mananatili muna tayo dito (Until I am convinced there is nothing more to be done, I will stay here),” Aquino said.
He said he is never satisfied and that he always looks for the most efficient way to do things and this includes all procedures, from packing relief goods to transporting them.
Aquino said authorities are considering utilizing another port that can stretch the capacities from Sorsogon province. (Mindanao Examiner)
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