Romualdez thanks gov’t for ‘Yolanda’ support

TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez apologized yesterday for lashing at the Aquino government over the rehabilitation of their hometown heavily struck by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The gesture of reconciliation was made during his speech at the Tacloban Astrodome where a “Yolanda” memorial was unveiled.

“Nais ko lang sabihin sa lahat minsan po when we are in our most desperate times and moments we do not bring out the best in us but, I salute Taclobanons for doing their best,” he said even as he thanked President Aquino and the national government for extending assistance to the Yolanda survivors.

“Minsan po nakakapagsalita kami ng mga maaanghang na salita pero at no given time are we ungrateful for all the help that was given to us. Pasensya na lang po kung nakakapagsalita kami ng maaanghang dahil kami ay tao lamang at kami po ay nasaktan dahil napakasakit talaga ng nangyari sa amin,” he said.

Romualdez led the commemoration of those who died during the onslaught of super Typhoon Yolanda two year ago. Vice President Jejomar Binay, along with United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial bets graced the event.

“We are all here the men and women and children who didn’t make it but fought so hard for their survival,” Romualdez said before unveiling of the Yolanda memorial.

He took the opportunity to call on both public and private sectors to work together in rebuilding back the lives of the survivors.

“Today let this memorial be a symbol to all the leaders of the world. Let us work hard for the future of our next generation and let’s always remind our selves that in times of desperation we have a duty not only to our people but to God, to always bring the best of us,” he said.

“We will continue to fight to be strong to be resilient and to always stand up for what is right,” he said.

In a press conference after the commemorative activities in the Tacloban Astrodome, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez expressed optimism that their province will “rise again” despite the government’s snail-paced rehabilitation efforts.

“We will prevail. We have not decided to become victims. We want to show everyone despite shortcoming of whoever, we should not make that as an excuse,” he said.

The Romualdezes and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reiterated call to the Aquino government to provide the full accounting of Yolanda cash donations.

“Every centavo spent should be accounted for,” Mayor Romualdez said.