Aquino: Yolanda rehab tab P100B, not P300B

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III said on Friday, May 2, that the cost to rehabilitating communities leveled by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is P100 billion – a third of the initial “daunting” estimate of P300 billion.

Aquino made the statement at a news conference in Tagbiliran City, Bohol – the final leg of his Labor Day-related activities – where he launched the country’s first fabrication laboratory (FabLab).

Responding to questions, Aquino said it appears that the government would not have to spend P300 billion, the initial estimate for the Yolanda-related rehabilitation efforts.

“The good news is from the daunting figure of over P300 billion needed to build back these communities better, we are now talking of slightly over a hundred billion,” he said.

Aquino said that since the program now involved a smaller amount, it can be completed much sooner. He said he was just waiting for the presentation of the new rehabilitation plan so he could scrutinize it.

The President also reminded officials to ensure that the concerned communities are “typhoon resistant” before the onset of the rainy season. 

“I keep telling everybody involved, the start of our rainy season is June and we are already in May. These communities have to be able to be, shall we say, resistant to any typhoon. That will be forthcoming,” he said.

The President said since Yolanda struck in November 2013, the country had experienced several other typhoons and some low pressure areas that fortunately did not intensify into typhoons.

Bohol rehab update

Aquino also gave an update on government rehabilitation efforts in Bohol, 7 months after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the province,

He said all roads and temporary bridges are now passable, while permanent bridges will be completed by October this year.

The National Housing Authority, he said, has helped a total of 38,800 families in 9 municipalities under the home materials assistance program, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided shelter assistance to 34,000 families in 8 municipalities under the emergency shelter assistance program. 

He said that of the 8,000 totally damaged houses in the province, construction is ongoing for 4,517 units.

“The construction for the remaining units is to commence within May this month; and for completion in October this year, according to the DSWD. This is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the concerned local government units,” Aquino said.

Aquino said 11,398 individuals are beneficiaries of the government’s cash-for-work program, while documentary requirements are being processed for the employment of 42,000 others under the scheme.

‘Build back better’

In his speech at the Bohol Island State University on Friday, Aquino lauded Boholanos for their “cooperation and collective stand” to revive the province after the 2013 disaster. He said the goal to “build back better” is clear in Bohol, and promised that the national government will “match the diligence and dedication” shown its officials.

The President also cited the “enthusiasm and tireless service” of Bohol officials led by Governor Edgar Chatto.

To illustrate the governor’s dedication, the President said Chatto would either call or send him a text message thrice a day to follow up on projects, and would also copy furnish all relevant Cabinet members with his request, to make sure that it would not be missed. 

He said Bohol Representative Rene Relampagos and Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes would forward the same request to him and his Cabinet.

“We receive a total of three copies [of the request]. So in terms of dedication and efficiency , it would be hard to beat this group….With this kind of hardworking leadership, it is not surprising that a bright future awaits Boholanos. They are the public servants who would not abandon you in times of need,” he said.

The President said the attitude taken by the Bohol officials had allowed the province to show signs of recovery soon after the earthquake.

“After the earthquake, I had good coordination with Governor Ed Chatto and other members of our local government units. Instead of throwing a tantrum before media, and blame others to make himself look good,  he laid out a plan to respond to the problems facing the province,” he said.

He was apparently alluding to Tacloban City Alfred Romualdez, who had accused the Aquino administration of not helping his province immediately after it was hit by Yolanda.

“After just several months, you can see the recovery of Bohol from the tragedy. Basic services were quickly delivered to the constituents such as housing, livelihood, and rehabilitated infrastructure to speed up the flow of commerce and transportation,” Aquino said.

First FabLab launched in Bohol

The FabLab, which Aquino launched at the Bohol Island State University on Friday,  is intended to help 135 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to hasten its recovery.

“These initiatives is a significant step to speed up the recovery of Bohol. Our goal: to make your province more vibrant, more progressive, and to have even more opportunities,” the President said at the launch.

Malacañang said that the Bohol FabLab is a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship. 

It is also a platform for learning and innovation, with tie-ups with global educators, technologists, researchers and innovators from about 50 countries.

“We are happy because for the first time, we will have a FabLab in the country,” the President said, adding that the facility is part of a “comprehensive strategy” to strengthen MSMEs in the province.

Tagbilaran was his final stop in a series of Labor Day-related activities, which began with a dialogue with labor groups on Tuesday where he sought to clarified and addressed labor issues. – Rappler.com