Sunday 5 August 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Friday, August 3, 2012


Malacañang appeals to informal settlers to heed government’s advice

Malacañang on Friday issued an appeal to informal settlers still living in danger zones and areas that were already washed out by floods to heed government’s advice and allow themselves to be transferred to a safe compound for their safety.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has personally visited these families shortly upon arriving from Iriga City where he attended the wakes of Justice Vicente de Lima, the father of Secretary Leila de Lima and Private First Class Arwin Martirez of the Philippine Army who was one of the 10 soldiers killed in action in Sumisip, Basilan last July 26.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during a press briefing said the government is hoping that families whose shanties were destroyed by floods will cooperate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) relocation plans for them.

“We do appeal to the residents along these areas that have been identified as danger areas to heed the appeal also of the DSWD para maiwasan na po ang ganitong pinsala sa kanila. Kasi hindi lang po storm surge ang nakagawa ng pinsala at delikado talaga sa kanila sa tabi ng dagat” Valte said.

“They are greatly affected by this so lahat sila ngayon nandoon sa evacuation centers. Sana po makipag-cooperate sila para mailayo sa mga sakunang pwedeng mangyari dahil sa mga dating kinatatayuan ng kanilang bahay,” she stressed.

The Palace official was referring to families currently seeking refuge in a covered court in Barangay 105 Vitas, Tondo, Manila after a couple of barges that were swept away by the storm surge which crashed into their shanties during the onslaught of typhoon ‘Gener’.

Valte, moreover, mentioned that the country’s experiences following this latest calamity should not just serve as a lesson to local chief executives but to everyone in general as we continue to learn how to adapt to the effects of climate change.

“Nakita po natin the amount of trash that washed up on Manila Bay…parang so far po yata 100 trucks na ang nahahakot ng MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) along Roxas Boulevard. This should serve as a lesson to all of us,” she said.

Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that typhoon ‘Gener’ has claimed 37 lives and Valte assured the general public that government agencies are already moving to extend assistance to the affected families.

Quoting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Valte said a total of 110,633 families composed of 519,651 persons were affected by the storm from 771 barangays, 118 municipalities, and 21 cities of the 29 provinces in Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Northern Mindanao.

Valte said the government has already provided a total of P7,230,430.75 worth of relief assistance to the affected families in CAR, NCR, and Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, and X. On top of this, she said the DSWD still has a standby fund of P5.6-million and P37.35-million worth of relief supplies.

The Palace official also said the Department of Health (DOH) has likewise alerted all public hospitals on the potential rise in cases of leptospirosis given the prevalence of floods and told its doctors to immediately render medical assistance for those who may be afflicted with it.

“Nag-alert na po ang Department of Health sa mga public hospitals to be on hand to treat ‘yung mga papasok po na mayroong leptospirosis. Alam po natin na usually kapag nagkakabaha, leptospirosis po ang isa sa mga sakit na lumalabas kapag nagkakaroon po tayo ng ganitong sitwasyon. Naka-alerto na po ang ating mga public hospitals to render assistance and treatment to any potential victims,” she said.

She added that the DOH also assured the public that antibiotics and other medicines for common illnesses such as fever, cough, colds, flu, and diarrhea have already been prepositioned in all government hospitals in case it will be needed. (hdc)


Aquino urges socio-civic organizations to continue helping government achieve progress

President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the socio-civic organizations to continue to help his administration in order to achieve its goal of an equitably progressive Philippines.

"We in government count on socio-civic organizations such as yours among our committed partners in nation-building. Let us work together along the straight and righteous path towards the future of peace, stability, and lasting reform that the Filipino people rightfully deserve," President Aquino said in his message to the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown on the occasion of its 28th Induction and Handover Ceremony on Friday.

The Chief Executive congratulated the new set of officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown following the induction rites. Chartered in June 1985, the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown is a “daughter club” of the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila.

"I urge you to take this opportunity to spur a new spirit of optimism and confidence among your colleagues and lead them and the Rotary to greater heights," the President said.

He also acknowledged the contributions made by the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown and other socio-civic organizations in Manila for their contributions in nation-building.

"The City of Manila stands testament to our nation’s dynamism; its storied heritage is a remarkable narrative demonstrating the resilience and vitality of the Filipino. Having this vibrant, rich backdrop gives impetus to your mission to be of greater service to your fellowman," the President said.

"May you continue to build on the pride and patriotism from which your beloved city has thrived through its history. May you remain in solidarity, guided by the values of compassion, dedication, excellence, and integrity, in keeping with our national aspiration of an equitably progressive Philippines," he said. (js)


Aquino assures typhoon victims of long-term assistance to help uplift their living condition

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the victims of the recent typhoon of the government’s long-term assistance which includes housing and livelihood in efforts to uplift their standards of living and ensure their safety especially in times of calamities.

In his message during the distribution of relief goods in Barangay 105 Covered Court, Zone 8, District 1 in Tondo, Manila on Friday afternoon, the President bared the relocation of the affected families to a temporary shelter adding that the National Housing Authority (NHA) is preparing a permanent housing for the typhoon victims.

“Para sa inyo po nakahanda iyong lugar na tinatawag na Aroma… lilipat muna po kayo dun temporarily tapos yung permanent na relocation po ay itinatayo na ng NHA sa Montalban para mailayo (kayo) sa peligro tapos pagtutulungan na lang po natin ng husto para naman yung livelihood ay hindi mapabayaan,” the President said.

“Umasa po kayo na tuloy-tuloy ang pamahalaan nyo na pupunuin ang mga kakulangan, pipilitin natin na bigyan ang lahat ng oportunidad dahil ang layunin nga natin sa pag-angat po ng Pilipinas wala dapat maiiwan…lahat bigyan ng pagkakataon na umasenso sa buhay,” he added.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said the temporary shelter facility called “Aroma Housing” which is under the NHA in Road 10 is just 50 meters away from their place in Tondo.

She added that the DSWD-National Capital Region will closely coordinate with the city of Manila and the NHA to facilitate the transfer of the evacuees.

Apart from their relocation, the Chief Executive said that the affected families will also undergo training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other concerned government agencies to ensure livelihood and provide economic opportunities.

“Tuturuan kayo ng skills ng TESDA at iba pang mga ahensya ng gobyerno para meron tayong pagkakabuhayan,” the President said as he urged the people to continue employing the spirit of Bayanihan that is innate among Filipinos.

“Para sa akin po mali na isusugal natin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan kung meron naman tayong magagawa para mailagay sila sa lugar na may kapanatagan ang ating kalooban… pakiusap ko po, mas maganda kung nagdadamayan, nagtutulungan tayong lahat at iniintindi natin ang kapwa,” the President noted.

Also in attendance were Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, NHA general manager Chito Cruz and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

During the event, President Aquino led the distribution of relief goods composed of mats, blankets and food packs worth 250 pesos to some 215 families in the area.

Soliman said a permanent resettlement will be available for the displaced families coming from Sitio Damayan Happyland, Barangay 105 in Manila. (jcl/5:00 p.m.)


Aquino visits wake of soldier killed in Basilan clash, extends financial assistance

PIO DURAN, Albay: President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Friday the wake of one of the soldiers who died last week in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan.

The President arrived here in Pio Duran noontime Friday to extend his condolences to the family of Pfc Arwin C. Martirez and at the same time recognize his heroism and gallantry in battle that cost his life.

Other fallen soldiers identified by the military include Pfc Segundiano G. Tamayo Jr., Pfc Mark B. Ocampo, Pfc Rey C. Evangelista, Pfc Arnold D. Coresis, Pfc Cleto A. Algayan, Pfc Kennith John D. Maribao, Pfc Jose Marvin V. Talamante Jr., Cpl Jerry N. Areglado and Pfc Erwin Alerta.

The chief executive handed over to Luzviminda Martirez, the soldiers mother, a P250,000 check as financial assistance to the grieving family. He also vowed to support three of Martirez’s sibling to finish their schooling, prioritizing a sister who is now third year high school.

Martirez, according to his mother, is the family’s bread winner, and has dreamed of seeing his younger siblings get their respective college degrees. This is the reason why Martirez entered military service, his childhood dream.

The young soldier is barely a year in his military career when he was killed last July 26 in Mindanao, his mother said.

Martirez, 24, along with other nine Army soldiers, died in a fierce encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group in Sumisip, Basilan.

The clash occurred on Thursday last week at Upper Cabenbeng, Sumisip, Basilan. Eight of the 10 soldiers who died were members of the 10th and the 11th Scout Ranger Companies. Seventeen other soldiers were also wounded.

The military also reported casualties on the Abu Sayyaf Grouop. It said nine Moro gunmen, were killed during the firefights, while four others were wounded.

The first clash began at around 7:30 a.m. after more than 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed troops from the 11th Scout Ranger Company, triggering a firefight, the military said.

During the initial firefight, another Abu Sayyaf group that was accompanied by members of other lawless groups, attacked a military detachment at 3 p.m., and ambushed reinforcing soldiers, including elements of the 11th Scout Ranger Company.

Accompanying the President during his visit in Pio Duran include Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, former partylist representative Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Albay second district Rep. Fernando Gonzalez, and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. (as/6:07pm)