Nancy files reso urging gov't agencies, LGUs to unite for relief ops
...calls for the creation of an earthquake task force

Senator Nancy Binay filed a resolution exhorting all government agencies and local government units to coordinate efforts to provide "immediate and adequate disaster relief" to earthquake affected areas in Central Visayas, especially in the provinces of Bohol and Cebu.

In Senate Resolution No. 306, Binay also "expressed deepest sympathy to the victims of the October 15, 2013 earthquake that devastated Central Visayas, particularly the provinces of Bohol and Cebu."

Binay detailed in the resolution that the combined and coordinated efforts of concerned government agencies, like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Energy, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), and concerned local government units would greatly improve organized relief aid and long-term recovery and rehabilitation measures to the affected areas.

Binay's resolution also recommended the creation of a "Cebu-Bohol Earthquake Task Force" that will spearhead the implementation of all relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.

"It's already been two weeks since the earthquake has struck but there are still areas which have not received full disaster relief. Having an organized local task force will greatly improve our efforts as these groups know the terrain, they have the contacts and they know the people. Given the right resources and manpower, this Cebu-Bohol Earthquake Task Force will be able to reach areas that still need help," Binay said.

Binay's resolution also encouraged private individuals and groups to help in the relief operations to affected areas. Humanitarian groups led by the Philippine Red Cross, international non-government organizations, media groups, volunteers and corporations have already provided help and some were even the first ones to enter the isolated towns.

The NDRRMC reported that the 7.2 magnitude earthquake had already claimed 190 lives, with 177 killed in Bohol, 12 in Cebu and one in Siquijor. There were 605 reported injured, with 511 in Bohol, 89 in Cebu, one in Iloilo and three in Siquijor and one in Negros Oriental.

NDRRMC pegged 2.9 million persons in 1,282 villages in Western and Central Visayas were affected by the earthquake. Damaged house and property were reported at 53,439. Reported damage to property was now evaluated at P902 million.