Press Release
May 4, 2009

CHIZ: GOV'T'S REACTIVE MODE WORSENS TYPHOON VICTIMS' MISERY

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said yesterday that government must immediately undertake long-term measures to minimize disruption in people's lives and lessen loss of life and property damage from 15-20 typhoons that annually batter the country.

Escudero reiterated his proposals for the construction of permanent evacuation centers as well as the reinforcement of vital public infrastructure in regions regularly visited by typhoons.

"We all know which provinces usually are hardest hit by typhoons. Why don't we reinforce vital infrastructure before the rains come?" Escudero asked.

"The money we spend for rebuilding could be much more than the cost of making sure that they withstand the strongest winds or the rampaging floods," he said.

He issued the statement in the wake of tropical storm Dante's recent rampage that cut a swathe of destruction in the Bicol region, resulting in 23 deaths and the displacement of at least 8,000 families and more than 48,000 people.

"For decades, people living in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines have borne the brunt of at least five devastating typhoons yearly. But government has always been on a reactive mode instead of being pro-active, and thus the suffering of the people continue," he said.

He reiterated the need to construct permanent evacuation centers in Regions 5 and 8 as well as in the provinces of Aurora, Cagayan, Quirino and Isabela instead of using schools, basketball courts and municipal halls that only lead to further disruption of people's lives.

"Rather than selectively handing dole outs to LGUs during the typhoon season, the government should take a long-term view and channel funds to reinforce school buildings, power lines, public markets, bridges, and other vital infrastructure," Escudero said.

He also called on the DSWD to ensure the pre-positioning of relief goods and personnel in the said regions and provinces so that they can be immediately mobilized once disaster strikes.

At the same time, Escudero stressed the importance of designing typhoon-resistant facilities similar to structures in Batanes when undertaking future construction in areas affected regularly by natural calamities.

"The government must automatically augment the calamity funds of all LGUs in typhoon areas yearly so that they can act right away in times of urgent need," he added.

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