City has fully recovered, not the survivors: Rodriguez

By Herbie Gomez

CAGAYAN de Oro has fully recovered but many survivors of the 2011 typhoon “Sendong” devastation still need help.

This was how Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District assessed the situation, exactly four years after the worst environmental disaster to ever hit the city in recent years.

“We have fully recovered as a city but many of the survivors are in need of facilities in the relocation areas, and livelihood opportunities. We need to work in order to give it to them,” said Rodriguez.

He said he would continue praying for all those who died in the 2011 disaster, and for the recovery of the survivors who are still rebuilding.

Citing figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Rodriguez said Sendong adversely affected at least 92,964 families or 641,098 people, and left at least 1,010 people dead. He said some 200 persons were still missing.

“We remember Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, 2011. We should be reminded, too, that we need to take care of our environment. Mining in the city, for instance, has to be stopped for good,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez and his brother, Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., have authored House Bill 5955 that seeks a declaration of Dec. 16 as Disaster Preparedness Day in the city and Iligan.

The bill has been approved by the House Committee on Revision of Laws in November.

Rodriguez said a “day of remembrance” should be held every year in order to mainstream adaptations and disaster reduction in all national and local development, and to constantly remind people of what the wrath of Mother Nature can do.

He said there is also a need to remember the victims, and honor those involved in the massive rescue operations. (herbie gomez)