Palace lauds religious group for showing
solidarity with Yolanda survivors
Malacañang on Sunday lauded a religious group
for showing solidarity with survivors of super Typhoon "Yolanda"
(Haiyan) by holding a walk for a cause in Manila over the weekend.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that while the Iglesia ni Cristo set
a world record, what is more important is the sympathy it showed.
"Ang mahalaga sa naganap kahapon ang
pagpapakita o manifestation ng pakikiisa sa ating kababayan na nasalanta ng
kalamidad. Hindi ba ang titulo ng event ay 'Walk for a Cause?' Ang cause ay ang
Yolanda assistance, ang pagbibigay ng tuwirang tulong sa nasalanta ng Yolanda
(What is important is that they showed solidarity with those affected by the
calamity. Isn't it the event was titled 'Walk for a Cause?' The cause was the
assistance for Yolanda survivors)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan.
On Saturday, the Iglesia ni Cristo set a new
Guinness world record for the largest charity walk set in one venue. The 1.9
kilometer walk started at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and ended near
Diamond Hotel along Roxas Boulevard with some 175,000 participants.
The world record was previously held by
Singapore for The New Paper Big Walk on May 21, 2000. That Singapore walk had
some 77,500 participants on record was organized by The Singapore Press
Holdings, The Singapore Amateur Athletic Association and The Singapore Sports
Council to promote healthy living. The proceeds went to education, sports and
charity organizations.
Kirstie Bennett, Guinness adjudicator in the
Philippines, confirmed that Saturday's charity walk figure was based on the
number of wristbands worn by participants and dropped in a box by the finish
line. According to reports the said walkathon, simultaneously held in 54 other
provinces and 27 other countries, sought to raise funds for survivors of
Yolanda, which devastated Visayas and Southern Luzon last November.
Coloma noted the new world record was a
"consequence" of the religious group's solidarity, something that
merits the Palace's commendation.
"Ang pagkakaroon ng world record na yan ang
naging consequence ng pagkakawanggawa at pagmamalasakit na pinupuri natin (The
world record was a consequence of the solidarity and sacrifice the group's
members showed. And we commend them for that)," he said. PND (jl)
Palace: 100 days after Yolanda, recovery still a
long road ahead
One hundred days after super Typhoon
"Yolanda" (Haiyan) left a trail of destruction, the government sought
continued participation by the people in helping survivors of the calamity as
the road to recovery remains a long one.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government has not relaxed in
providing assistance to those affected, and remains open to suggestions on how
to improve its efforts.
"As we mark the 100th day after super
Typhoon Yolanda hit the country, government is firmly determined to carry out
massive rehabilitation efforts in all 171 municipalities and cities affected by
this unprecedented calamity," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan.
Coloma cited the advice of United Nations
resident humanitarian coordinator Luiza Carvalho that no one can afford to
become complacent at this time.
Quoting Carvalho, he said "authorities, UN
agencies, non-government organizations, and the Filipino people should be
commended for the pace of progress in relief and rehabilitation efforts (but)
we cannot afford to be complacent.”
He also called on Filipinos to practice the
spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power revolt, whose 28th anniversary will be
marked on Feb. 25, by continuing to work together.
"We call on all Filipinos in the spirit of
bayanihan and in the spirit of EDSA People Power that we will be celebrating
soon to continue working with government and all donor and aid agencies in
extending a helping hand to our countrymen who are rebuilding their lives and
seeking a better future," he said.
"We realize that despite its best efforts,
government is unable to adequately respond to all the needs of all the affected
families and individuals. We continue to welcome suggestions on how we can improve
our response and assistance," he added.
In the meantime, Coloma said President Benigno
S. Aquino III has directed the Cabinet to prepare a detailed roadmap for
effective response to disasters before the onset of the rainy season in June.
This includes new emergency alert protocols for storm surge, floods, and
landslides, as well as the strict implementation of no-build zones along
coastlines and higher standards for disaster resiliency of buildings and
infrastructure.
Another priority is the setting up of an
all-weather communications systems including satellite phones and mobile
communications kits to ensure connectivity even if power is knocked out.
"The President has also said that, with the
worsening effects of climate change, we must make even greater measures to
adapt including reinforcing our supply of power," he said.
He added affected families living in bunkhouses
and temporary shelters will be provided permanent housing in new human
settlements with facilities for livelihood activities.
"New school buildings, municipal halls,
public markets, and town centers will be constructed," he said.
On the other hand, he said the Philippines and
other disaster-prone countries must break the cycle of prediction, devastation,
and rehabilitation by adopting the principle of build-back-better and being
more productive.
Meanwhile, Coloma thanked the UN, foreign
governments, international and domestic organizations, civic organizations, and
volunteers who "extended and continue to provide financial and logistical
support, as well as valuable time, talent, and treasure to affected families in
the calamity zones."
"We also thank leading business
organizations and humanitarian foundations that have signified their
willingness and commitment to become development sponsors in 24 priority areas
in partnership with the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery
(PARR)," he said.
He said PARR Secretary Panfilo M. Lacson has
already prioritized local government units that have done their homework in
preparing a post-disaster needs assessment analysis and corresponding rehabilitation
plan.
"Secretary Lacson is currently coordinating
the efforts of Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior
and Local Government, and National Housing Authority in preparing relocation
and rebuilding sites for new permanent housing and local government
facilities," he said.
For its part, the Department of Social Welfare
and Development continues to attend to the basic needs of families still
occupying temporary shelters.
Coloma said Department of Health doctors and
paramedics are on the lookout against the outbreak of diseases.
The Department of Labor and Employment is
providing cash-for-work and temporary employment opportunities while the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is conducting skills
training, he added. PND (jl)
28th EDSA-1 anniversary to be marked in Palace,
govt eyes shift in focus of future EDSA celebrations
To avoid inconvenience to motorists and
commuters, this year's anniversary celebration of the 1986 EDSA People Power
revolution will be held inside the Malacañan Palace grounds.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said this was the decision made by the
EDSA People Power Commission under Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.
"Para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at
upang hindi na lumikha ng dagdag na problema ng trapik sa EDSA, ang magiging
sentro ng pagdiriwang sa ika-25 ng Pebrero ay ang Malacañan Palace grounds (So
we will not disrupt traffic at EDSA, the center of this year's anniversary
celebration will be held at the Malacañan Palace grounds)," Coloma said on
state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
He said these include the flag-raising and
traditional "salubungan" between the people and soldiers in the 1986
revolt that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos.
The 1986 revolt had catapulted President Benigno
S. Aquino III's late mother Corazon Aquino to the presidency.
Other activities include a
"pulong-bayan" (town hall meeting) between President Aquino and
representatives of various sectors.
Meanwhile, Coloma said this year's anniversary
will have the theme “Kapit-bisig para sa Pagbangon (Linking arms together
toward recovery).”
He said the administration is shifting the focus
of EDSA 1 celebrations from those who took part in the 1986 revolt, to
modern-day Filipinos working together to fight poverty.
"Unti-unti nating inilalayo ang sentro ng
selebrasyon sa kabayanihan ng mga nanindigan sa EDSA noong 1986 tungo sa
pagbabayanihan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyang panahon upang maibsan ang
paghihirap na dulot ng maraming dekada ng korapsyon at pagsasamantala ng mga
nasa kapangyarihan (We are moving the focus of the celebrations away from those
who took part in the 1986 revolt, to modern-day Filipinos who work together to
fight corruption)," he said.
"Nais nating pagtuunan ng pansin ang
pagpapa-angat sa antas ng kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino na patuloy na nakararanas
ng ‘di makatarungang kahirapan. Pinahahalagahan natin ang pagpupunyagi ng mga
mamamayan sa pagpapabuti ng kanilang pamumuhay, pagtutulungan, at
pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa sa panahon ng pangangailangan (We want to focus our
efforts on improving the lot of Filipinos who continue to suffer from poverty.
We want Filipinos to have better lives and to be there for each other in times
of need)," he added. PND (jl)
Palace: Warm welcome awaits Olympian Michael
Martinez
A warm welcome awaits Michael Christian Martinez
for representing the Philippines at the Sochi Winter Olympics, Malacañang said
Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Martinez, who competed in figure
skating, did the country proud with his performance.
"Ang tinitiyak ko lang po ay kinikilala
natin ang mahusay na performance ni Michael Martinez, at nakikiisa tayo sa
ating mga kababayan, at tiyak na makatatanggap siya ng mainit na welcome at
pagkilala sa kanyang pagbabalik (We acknowledge his fine performance and are
one with the Filipino people in making sure he will get a warm welcome upon his
return)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
While he failed to advance to the next rounds,
Martinez awed audiences - including Filipinos who watched the televised
coverage - with his performance in figure skating.
Many were particularly impressed that Martinez
did well in an event where Filipinos are not expected to excel as the
Philippines is a tropical country.
In the meantime, Coloma urged the private sector
to help support Philippine athletes since the government lacks resources to do
so by itself.
He said this is why President Benigno S. Aquino
III had instructed that support be prioritized for events where Filipino
athletes have a good chance of winning.
"Ang problema lang naman po kasi ay ‘yung
paglalaan ng kaukulang pananalapi o resources dahil limitado po talaga ang
resources ng pamahalaan dahil batid naman po natin ang prayoridad ay sa
pagbabawas ng kahirapan, pagbibigay ng pagkalinga sa mga mahihirap at mga
nangangailangang sektor (The problem is that the government has limited
resources, and is prioritizing the use of such resources for poverty
alleviation)," he said.
"Doon naman sa mga ibang larangan ay pwede
rin namang himukin ang private sector na patuloy na sumuporta dito. So
tulong-tulong lang po ang nakikita nating solusyon. Kung pagtutulungan po ng
sambayanan, magbibigay tayo ng suporta sa mga mahuhusay na atleta katulad ni
Michael Martinez at iba pa, ay sigurado naman pong makakamit natin ‘yung mga
layunin natin sa larangang ‘yan (We can ask the private sector for help. The
only solution we see is cooperation between government and the private sector
to support excellent athletes like Martinez)," he added. PND (jl)
Palace appeals for patience as NCR
infrastructure works starts Monday
Malacañang on Sunday appealed to Metro Manila
residents for patience as traffic is likely to get slower as work for some
major infrastructure projects starts on Monday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the inconvenience is short-term and
will lead to faster travel and more productive living in the long run.
"We call on our people to share in the
burden of sacrifice and bear with the short-term inconvenience so we can build
better roads that will ensure faster travel and more productive living in our
highly congested National Capital Region," Coloma said on state-run dzRB
Radyo ng Bayan.
On Monday, work is to start on some key infrastructure
projects such as the Skyway 3 and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Expressway Phase 3.
The work is expected to slow down traffic in
some areas of Metro Manila.
"Nananawagan tayo sa mga mamamayan na
makiisa sa mga isasagawang proyektong pang-imprastruktura tulad ng Skyway III
na mag-uumpisa bukas (We call on the people to share the burden while the
infrastructure project is ongoing)," Coloma said. PND (jl)
