Recovery efforts too slow, says Leyte solon

TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez yesterday said recovery efforts have been painfully slow because of the Aquino government’s snail-paced implementation and release of funds for typhoon survivors.

“Tomorrow (Sunday) will mark the second year when Yolanda hit the country and its lamentable that many of storm survivors are still in temporary shelters waiting for the promised permanent homes by the national government. The fight and struggle will continue as our malasakit (compassion) to the victims,” he said.

“We know how extensive the damage was, but I believe the government could have done better had funding for the reconstruction effort was released quickly and sources for the needed money were prioritized and clearly identified,” he said.

Romualdez, a senatorial candidate, said he would relentlessly pursue reforms that would provide permanent homes and sustainable livelihood for the Yolanda survivors.

“Complete rehabilitation is a long way to go,” he said.

“Pero, walang imposible basta nagmamalasakit tayo sa isat-isa. Puwede at posible ang lahat,” he said.

Romualdez even took note how Taclobanons helped each other out to rebuild their lives.

“Before, the city was nearly completely destroyed because of the typhoon that killed thousands of residents here and destroyed billions of properties, thanks for the malasakit of Taclobanons to one another and the city has now started to show signs of recovery,” he said.

He renewed his call to the Aquino government to release the long-delayed funds intended to normalize the lives of the typhoon victims.

He lamented that many residents are still in temporary shelters and are unemployed.