“After being stricken by three strong earthquakes last October which left thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in evacuation centers, it is now time for rehabilitation and recovery inorder to rebuild North Cotabato.”
This was emphasized by Governor Nancy A. Catamco as she addressed the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), and the Provincial Development Council (PDC) in a joint meeting held Friday, December 6, at the Governor’s Cottage, Amas, Kidapawan City.
The meeting was called to discuss the status of 24,525 affected families of which 11,977 are still temporarily living in evacuation and settlement centers in Makilala, Mlang, Arakan, Magpet, and KidapawanCity, and to see how far government has responded in terms of relief, rehabilitation and recovery efforts more than a month after the disaster.
“Rehabilitation and recovery are not just about speed. Residents of earthquake-affected areas should be consulted and given free choice whether to return to safe areas as determined by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) within or around the location of their original community, or to settle in relocation sites provided by proper authorities or agencies, “ Gov.Catamcosaid.
She expressed optimism that guided by her advisory guidelines on sustainable rehabilitation and recovery plan and with genuine concerted effort, affected local government units working closely with line agencies and non-government institutions will be able to restore normalcy in the lives of internally displaced persons in due time.
“This is the time to rise above ourselves and set aside political colors. Let us stand united and relive the spirit of bayanihan in our resolve to rebuild North Cotabato,” Catamco said.
Comprehensive Provincial Rehabilitation Program
Comprehensive Provincial Rehabilitation Program (CPRP) Vice Chairman and Head of Provincial Rehabilitation Task Force Basilio E. Obello, Jr., MRED, said that in line with the CPRP key advocacies Adopt a Family to build a home, Adopt a School to build a future and Adopt a Community to build a strong nation, a Donors’ Forum will be held on December 17 to cross-match needs and resources.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that there are 12,799 partially and 5,224 totally damaged houses in the towns ofTulunan, Mlang, Arakan, Antipas, Kabacan, Matalam, Pres. Roxas, Makilala, Magpet and inKidapawan City.
National Housing Authority (NHA) Regional Director Engr. ZenaidaCabiles reported in the same joint meeting that the NHA is committed to give 5,181 permanent shelters to IDPs in high risk areas.
Meanwhile, other disaster response clusters also updated the councils of their respective interventions in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
Social Welfare and Development Office assured the availability of food and non-food items to sustain relief assistance including those who would decide to return to their homes.
Medical and public health, nutrition, mental health and psychosocial support, and water sanitation and hygiene in evacuation centers are managed and closely monitored by the Department of Health through the Integrated Provincial Health Office in close coordination with lgus.
Early recovery interventions include emergency employment extended by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to earthquake-affected workers in the province. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers negosyo package to interested and qualified applicants while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be extending livelihood and technical skills training.
Need for temporary learning spaces
As far as education and school structures are concerned, the Department of Education North Cotabato Division reported a total of 1,391 temporary learning spaces (TLS) needed to temporarily replace 2,502 damaged classrooms affecting almost 76,000 learners.
21 learning shelters were provided by Cotabato City Division and Gen. Santos City Division.
Classes in several earthquake-affected municipalities have resumed since November 4.
For Kidapawan City Division, City Schools Division Superintendent Romelito G. Flores, CESO V, reported that there are 26,695 learners and 1,002 teachers affected. Of the 289 temporary learning spaces needed, 148 have been established through various partners.
In her response, Governor Catamco said she will elevate the matter of constructing new school buildings and classrooms to the national government through the House of Representatives. She instructed the Council secretariat to schedule a meeting with the three District Engineering offices and the two schools divisions in the province. The Provincial Treasurer’s Office reported that cash donations received have already reached P19.2 million.//end//
