MAKATI CITY, Philippines – Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Sec. Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday that the Philippine government is adopting long-term measures to ensure the rehabilitation work in areas hit by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) will continue even after the Aquino administration’s term ends in 2016.
Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Panfilo M. Lacson said his office has adopted an understudy that will continue its work even after the Aquino administration ends on June 30, 2016.
“We have no other option but at least to have substantial compliance, 85 to 90 percent by June 30, 2016. But we are also engaging an understudy para maski wala na kami pwede patuloy pa (we are adopting an understudy that will continue our work after our terms end),” he said at an interview in Makati City.
He said this will complement the private sector here, which he said can continue working in the affected areas after so many administrations.
Lacson said that if many of these private sector firms are committed to do the rehabilitation work, “they will stay there because they have a sense of commitment” to get the job done.
In the meantime, he said his office hopes to see some structures built in the next six months to one year.
Also, he said his office will continue to coordinate with the private sector and with foreign sponsors on the rehabilitation work.
Up to now, he said many people affected by Yolanda still lack the basics, citing the case of some people in parts of Samar who are forced to live in caves.
Meanwhile, Lacson reassured residents and local government officials in the affected areas his office will remain color-blind as far as political affiliation is concerned.
Lacson also reiterated his office will observe minimum requirements in the implementation of rebuilding structures such as schools and multi-purpose halls.
He said schools and multi-purpose halls should be resilient and can serve as emergency evacuation centers, while hospitals should be able to serve as command and communications centers.
