WHEN there is despair, it is easy to dwell on the bad news. But from the rubble of tragedy, the best of humanity finds ways to bring back hope–especially for the people in need.
On behalf of every Filipino, President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his gratitude to every individual, organization and country who rallied behind the Philippines and provided assistance to areas in the Visayas ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan (aka Yolanda).
“I thank the governments and peoples of so many nations, as well as the donor organizations, who have pledged or already provided assistance, whether technical, financial, or in kind, for the relief and rebuilding efforts that we are undertaking in Leyte, Samar, and other provinces devastated by Haiyan,” Aquino said.
According to the President, there are so many reasons to grieve. But the past few days gave Filipinos reasons to be grateful as well. Aquino said that “the thought that the community of nations stands in solidarity with our nation has also greatly eased our burdens.”
Aquino also thanked his kababayans, both in the Philippines and abroad, for coming together and rendering aid and assistance to their brothers and sisters.
The President also reiterated the resilience of the Filipino people to withstand tragedies and overcome hurdles.
“The well of strength and compassion that characterizes us as a nation has time and again proven to be bottomless. Solidarity born of faith and prayer, combined with a steadfast resolve, is showing the world that nothing can make the Filipino spirit yield,” he said.
Eastern Samar Congressman Ben Evardone, whose district was one of the hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), said the overwhelming concern shown by the international community to the country has rekindled hope in devastated communities.
Evardone also pleaded that Filipinos stop the blame game and heed to the urgent call of unity.
“There is enough time for political bickering, but that time is not now,. Let us be in sync with each other for a common purpose – relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. This is the only way we can give hope to the weary, sick, and hungry.”
Rescue and relief operations are now in full swing, allowing the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the hard-hit areas to commence.
As of November 19, foreign aid for typhoon victims has reached more than $270 million. Because cash donations from the international community continue to pour in, the Philippine government recently launched a groundbreaking web-based initiative to allow the public to monitor the inflow of foreign assistance to the country. The Foreign Aid Transparency Hub (FAiTH) will assure that any amount pledged will be used properly and efficiently.
“We will do this by ensuring that the aid and assistance pledged for Filipinos will be used only to benefit Filipinos. Ultimately, FAiTH is more than a hub of information: it is an expression of appreciation for the kindness of those who stand in solidarity with our countrymen, and it is a continuation of our promise to the Filipino people: we are here only to serve you,” Aquino said.
The fleet from the United States, which sent more than 50 ships and aircraft including the carrier USS George Washington, has made a huge difference in ground operations. The rescue and relief operations are able to reach all isolated islands, barangays and municipalities in a more timely manner.
The mobile hospital provided by the Australian government helped augment the services of local and foreign medical volunteers which started to operate this week. The emergency field hospital is now treating patients, making full use of its 50-bed ward, an operating theater and a recovery room.
Tacloban City’s water supply has also began its restoration, ready to serve an estimated 150,000 residents. Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla promised that before the year ends and in time for Christmas, electricity will be back on majority of the areas with transmission lines and power facilities still down.
Despite the spate of bad news reported on a day-to-day, hope and a new beginning will spring from the ruins caused by Typhoon Haiyan, thanks to all the people who in their own ways, gave back to a community in need.
(AJPress)
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