THE tragedy of the earthquake that hit Bohol must not be allowed to become a forgotten disaster as there’s still a lot to be done to get the province back on its feet again.
Talk to Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon who laments that “although the Red Cross movement has made a significant impact there’s still a lot more that needs to be done.”
At present, PRC is still operating emergency hospital tents in places like Loon and Inabangga, while it also previously operated similar medical facilities in the towns of Tagbilaran and Maribojoc.
Chairman Gordon says that another major project of PRC is to build core shelters for 350 families while about a hundred carpenters and masons were given tool kits so they could repair damaged shelters.
PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang says that “to cope with the traumatic effects of the ordeal Boholanos had gone through, 2,368 individuals were provided with psychosocial support, including guidance counseling.”
In the immediate aftermath of the Bohol quake, PRC also helped bring people to temporary evacuation sites, with 499 tents given to families in evacuation centers, along with 19,856 mosquito nets, 19,285 plastic mats and 25,686 blankets. 10,155 tarpaulins were also distributed.
She says: “We should never forget what happened in Central Visayas especially here in Bohol. We will continue to give support with the help of our partners, like the International Federation of the Red Cross and our other supporters. We won’t leave until the job is done.”
ORETA IS CHAMPION OF GOVERNANCE
Malabon City Mayor Antolin ‘Lenlen’ Oreta III deserves to be chosen as one of the five “Champions of Good Governance” recognizing him for his ‘effective, ethical and empowering (3Es) leadership.’
Mayor Oreta, son of former Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta and first cousin of President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, is of course gratified by the recognition recently bestowed on him by the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership but he wouldn’t want to take full credit.
“We are trying to do our best. It is heartwarming to be chosen, however good governance is a team effort and I am not the only team member,” says the low-key and youthful Mayor Oreta.
In choosing the Malabon mayor, the movement is saying that the former, when he became mayor of Malabon in 2012, made transparency and education a priority of his administration.
In the city government’s website, visitors can access financial reports such as results of bidding and procurement.
Proof of Mayor Oreta’s priority programs was the recent achievement the city had obtained in the National Achievement Test with its Grade 3 level topping all schools in Metro Manila though just struggling with a small budget for education.
Mayor Oreta said the recognition would only make them more challenged to do their best in order to effectively deliver services to the residents without delay.
“And we can only sustain all these with the dedication of everyone,” he says. GOOD RIDDANCE/ARLIE CALALO
