Presidential aspirants suggest ways to fast-track gov't disaster response

At least two presidential aspirants on Wednesday recommended ways to fast-track the government’s disaster response following the destruction brought by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted the need for the expansion of the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal system to ensure timely response to calamity-hit areas.

With the country’s archipelagic structure, the former senator said the Philippines needs an effective means of distribution of relief goods and heavy equipment.

“The country’s unique archipelagic layout is a challenge when it comes to disaster response. Island municipalities can be easily isolated for days, with help only being sent via airdrops and only in small quantities. We believe that by having more Ro-Ro routes, we can send help faster to these affected communities,” Marcos and his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said in a statement.

“Typhoon Odette has really devastated some parts in the country. We have seen this with our own eyes on the ground. Apart from providing food to the people, we need to restore electricity and telecommunications services,” he added.

The presidential aspirant said restoring power and communication lines could only be made possible through swift clearing operations using heavy and specialized equipment which are needed to be sourced outside the calamity-stricken areas.

“This is the time when our Ro-Ro network can help,” Marcos emphasized.

On the other hand, presidential aspirant and Senator Panfilo Lacson pitched a two-pronged formula that can help in bringing assistance to families affected by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, Lacson said the two-pronged approach involves an initial Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) that can help pinpoint areas to prioritize relief efforts and calling on the international community for relief assistance.

This, he said, will complement the initial steps taken by the government to address the situation.

"It is imperative that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), expedite the submission of their initial PDNA, in order to have an accurate, data-driven information on the ground so the national government can prioritize relief, rehabilitation and recovery efforts and assistance to the hardest hit communities," he said.

"For its part, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may also call on the international community of nations for relief assistance, just like how they responded to Haiyan (Yolanda) eight years ago," he added.

Lacson served as the rehabilitation czar under the Aquino administration when the southern Philippines was hit by Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.

The lawmaker said the designation of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista as the interim crisis manager is “one move toward the right direction.” However, he pointed out that NDRRMC must convene as soon as possible to ensure that all the agencies involved in the rehabilitation and recovery efforts are “on the same page.”

“This is beyond a policy or a legislative issue already. The issue of implementation is a big factor, too. We have to systematically approach the way we plan, prepare, deploy, recover and rebuild from any disaster - whether natural or man-made," he said.

"Given its whole-of-nation, multi-sectoral nature, I believe a more experienced, more hands-on President will go a long way in ensuring that better policies and strategies, better planning, a more coordinated response, and more institutional and sustainable mechanisms are all put in place," he added.—AOL, GMA News