The Philippine national government admitted their shortcomings in its response to the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda that hit the central provinces of the Philippines last week, citing the magnitude of the storm and the government’s limitation.
According to Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, the government is accepting criticisms, adding that it has learned lessons from the aftermath of the typhoon. The cabinet member added that the government will continue to improve how it responds to disasters.
Secretary Coloma made the following statement in front of the press:
“Kung meron pong mga pumupuna, tinatanggap naman po natin iyong kanilang pagpuna. Hindi po natin itinatanggi na maaaring nagkaroon ng mga pagkukulang. Pero iyon po ay bunga na rin ng mga severe constraints. Hindi naman po sinasadyang huwag pagtuunan ng pansin. At dahil po nakakapulot tayo ng mga mahahalagang aral, gagamitin po natin ang aral na napulot natin para mas maging mahusay po ang ating pagtugon sa susunod na pagkakataon,” Coloma said.
“Iyong lessons learned po natin ay iyong ibayo pang paghahanda,” he added.
The Philippine government also (–foul word(s) removed–)ured that affected residents will be reach “100 percent” with their relief operations. Heavily affected areas such as Leyte’s 40 municipalities and Tacloban City will be distributed with relief goods.
According to Malacanang the casue of the delay, is due to the situation’s “extraordinary dmenands,” hampered by toppled power and communication lines.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has taken over as the direct supervisor of the government’s relief operations and crisis response, together with the (–foul word(s) removed–)istance of Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa Jr. and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras.
Cabinet secretaries were given corresponding areas of responsibility aside from the existing NDRRMC. Below are the lists of Cabinet Officials in-charge of the following responsibilities:
- Relief: DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman;
- Transport: DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya;
- Logistrics of Supplies/ Aid: Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima;
- Health: DOH Sec. Enrique Ona;
- Security: DND Sec. Voltaire Gazmin;
- Communications: PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma
