Iloilo mayors: There’s no politics in ‘Yolanda’ aid distribution

Much has been said about government’s efforts post super- typhoon Yolanda. Some gave glowing reports, while many slammed the government for their sluggish response, or lack of it.

However, four mayors from Iloilo who came from different political parties attested to the government’s efficiency and impartial distribution of relief funds.

“There is no political color in the distribution of Yolanda funds,” said Mayor Rene Cordero of Estancia, Iloilo. He is a member of political party UNA.

“We have received much help, and foreigners also helped,” he added, saying that those who criticized the govern- ment for unfair and slow distribution of relief are merely “enemies.”

Around 80 percent of their households were destroyed, while 90 percent of the means of their livelihood, including fishing boats were also destroyed. The government gave them approximately 20 million in relief funds.

Cordero admitted that there are around 60 families, who used to live along the coastline, still living in bunkhouses.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jesry Palmares of Passi City, Iloilo, also coming from political party UNA, said that he is “very happy the way things are.”

Palmares reported that 7,660 of their households were totally damaged by Yolanda. But right after the storm, he said that relief came “rapidly.”

They have received around 18 million for the repair of government facilities, which they are trying to finish now. Palmares added that they are expecting P86 million more to come in.

Mayor Reynor Gonzales of Lambunao, Iloilo, who belongs to political party LP, agreed with the others that “lahat binibigyan” (everyone is given) aid.

Disaster struck their town hard as 100 percent of barangays were affected. But he was proud to report that within 24 hours of the disaster, they were able to resume operation and basic services.

Lambunao received around 18 to 20 million in relief funds, which they used to restore the public market and implement the road cementing program.