Typhoon Relief Operations in the Philippines Ongoing

Manila, Philippines, Oct. 12, 2009—In the wake of the devastation brought by successive typhoons to the Philippines, Filipinos face the greater task of rehabilitating the hardest-hit areas of the country.

“The country is at a state of emergency, it is imperative that Filipinos who are able to help out should help out,” said Senate president Manny Villar. “Victims of Typhoon Ondoy require every bit of aid and assistance they can get. We need to give our unified effort in saving our fellow countrymen, as well as our country,” he added.

Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, which made landfall a day apart from one another, flooded both the low lying areas and seaside locations of northern Philippines. Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Sur are some of the provinces still submerged in flood water, while Baguio City remains isolated from the rest of the country due to the massive landslide that has rendered a number of major roads impassable.

In the capital Manila, meanwhile, the flood has cleared one week after Typhoon Ondoy left the country. Thousands of families, however, are still in evacuation centers scattered across Metro Manila, relying on relief operations from local and international volunteers.

“Volunteers are welcome to help out in packing relief goods and loading them in transport trucks to be distributed to affected areas of Typhoon Ondoy.” Villar continued.

Donations and supplies can be dropped off at the entrance of Star Mall EDSA. Donors can also get in touch with the Tulong Villar Relief Operations or go to Vista Land Office in Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Villar Wary about an Extended State of Emergency

Senator Villar, who is currently the president of the Philippine Senate, also aired his concern about the growing possibility of an extended state of emergency. He said typhoon rehabilitation does not merit too drastic actions and sweeping calls from the government.

Regarding Malacañang’s plan to place the Philippines under a state of calamity for a year or longer, Villar said this has to be evaluated further. "Some areas are recovering faster than the others. There has to be a balance and a consensus. At this early, business groups are already wary about the idea, they should be consulted to see how it will affect them,” said Villar.

Business groups composed of the Makati Business Club, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, and the Federation of Philippine Industries also expressed alarm about the abuse of the declaration of a state of calamity.

In a press briefing, the business group said that it may create more problems for the country such as job losses and supply shortage. Other business groups even fear that it may lead to a state of emergency and the exercise of police powers.

“It is understandable that we have to prioritize the needs of the flood victims but we have to take into account the repercussions of our actions to other sectors. In this case, if the business sector will be affected, it will have a chain reaction if our economy will slow down because of it,” added Villar.