Legarda: Amid Political Turmoil, Let Us Not Forget the Needs of Disaster Victims

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY REMINDED THE COUNTRY’S LEADERS TO ENSURE THAT, APART FROM DOING THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT THE GOVERNMENT AND MAINTAIN BALANCE AMONG ITS INSTITUTIONS, THEY ARE PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF FILIPINOS, ESPECIALLY THOSE AFFECTED BY RECENT DISASTERS.
“While the three main branches of government are mandated to ensure balance among them and immediately resolve issues that would be detrimental to the institution, we have a more urgent duty to fulfill today particularly to the victims of Sendong and the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Negros Oriental,” Legarda stressed.
“We need not abandon our political tasks, but we must always be ready to provide for the needs of our citizens. Food, potable water, clothes, temporary shelter—these basic provisions are badly needed in areas that were hit by the strong temblor,” she added.
Legarda said that many of the earthquake victims need clothes and tents since they are temporarily staying in open spaces as they continue to experience aftershocks. She also noted reports that people are putting up signs asking for help in providing for their basic needs.
The Senator added that victims of tropical storm Sendong are also in need of further support as they are now in the rehabilitation phase.
“Many of the victims’ needs are yet to be addressed. We are thankful that foreign nations, volunteer groups, and non-government organizations are helping the government, but we have to work double time so that our people can get back on their feet immediately,” she stressed.
“It is in such instances that we realize that preparedness against disasters is very much essential. Making our communities disaster-resilient and ready when natural hazards strike will greatly reduce the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts that we have to do afterwards. The country’s leaders, whether national or local, must give this initiative due attention and must consider it of great importance because what is at stake here is the safety and the lives of our people,” Legarda concluded.