To Yolanda victims

HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez on Monday hailed the continued support of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman and Sen. Richard Gordon for the long-term recovery of communities gravely hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas, and other parts of the country eight years ago.

“The PRC led by its Honorable Chairman, Sen. Richard Gordon has always been at the forefront of our recovery efforts in Eastern Visayas. His team was among the brave first responders, which showed ‘malasakit’ by putting others above self during and after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Thank you PRC and Chairman Gordon,” said Romualdez, chairman of the House committee on rules.

Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said the PRC took part and contributed in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of communities severely affected by Yolanda.

The group provided comfort and hope to the victims amid Yolanda’s wrath and devastation, Romualdez stressed.

The House Majority Leader gave his hefty salute to PRC, Gordon and other first responders, including local and international donors who selflessly and bravely answered the call to protect people and properties despite risking their own safety.

According to Romualdez, the laudable action of Gordon who continues to oversee the rehabilitation of affected Yolanda-hit areas is very worthy of support and should be emulated by various groups whose advocacies are centered at building a better Philippines.

“Hanggang ngayon nandiyan pa rin po ang PRC at si Sen. Gordon, aming katuwang sa pagbangon mula sa Yolanda,” Romualdez said.

He also said that PRC and Gordon have been helping the public to raise awareness on disaster management and prevention.

Through the years, the PRC was responsible behind the repair of 80,983 shelters, building of 80,207 homes and providing livelihood assistance to 63,604 households through cash grants.

Gordon’s group also extended livelihood training and livelihood programs to 16,000 people and 160 groups.

The PRC also built 166 schools and repaired 536 classrooms with 8,000 thousand school kits distributed, and repaired or reconstructed 94 health facilities.

“The resilience of the Filipino is unprecedented. Despite the death and devastation, we found deliverance. Rehabilitation and repair with the help of our Movement Partners have been successful. Disaster is not insurmountable with passion and commitment, both of which were provided by the Red Cross,” Gordon said. “We continue to support these communities even eight years after Yolanda hit these bucolic towns and cities. With focus, fast action, flexibility, friendliness, and being forward-looking, the Philippine Red Cross is poised to serve as it is always first, always ready, and always there.”