Myanmar head: We are one with Phl people

CEBU, Philippines - Myanmar President Thein Sein, who is also the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), wrapped up his three-day state visit in the Philippines by visiting Yolanda-hit Bantayan Island yesterday.

President Thein met with local government officials as well as typhoon victims and said that Myanmar, despite being a poor country, wants to help the victims of the super typhoon.

“Although Myanmar is a poor country, however, we showed our solidarity to the Filipino people and brought medical teams and relief goods,” said President Thein in his speech.

He also said that the people of Myanmar are one with the Filipino people because they also have experienced the wrath of nature when cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy region in 2008, killing 130,000 people.

When cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar, it caused a 27-feet storm surge, wiping out everything in its path and dislocating 2.5 million people, said President Thein.

The Burmese leader, who was the Prime Minister at that time and was in charge of  relief operations, recounted how his people suffered for almost a year, living in makeshift houses. He said that the government had to provide food, water, clothing and the medical needs of the displaced persons and added that many people lost their livelihood, just like what is happening in Bantayan Island.

He, however, said that Filipinos are more prepared when it comes to typhoons because of the frequency of typhoon visits here, ranging from 20 to 25 each year.

President Thein stressed that the typhoon victims will be able to get through the hardships if people will work together in the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

“With the resilience, courage and spirit of the Filipino people you might be able to stand on your feet on a very short period of time,” he said.

Mayor Jose Esgana of Sta. Fe town, Mayor Chris Ian Escario of Bantayan and Mayor Salvador dela Fuente of Madridejos thanked President Thein for visiting their respective municipalities and for the assistance that Myanmar has given them.

Fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, meanwhile, lauded Cebu Governor Hilario Davide’s efforts to help the typhoon victims in his district.

“Governor Davide is a man with a big heart, thank you very much,” said Salimbangon.

President Thein was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Governor Hilario Davide Jr. and PRO-7 chief Danilo Constantino during his visit in Bantayan Island.

Myanmar also donated medical equipment worth 14 million Kyats (P624,000) as well as medicines to the three municipalities in Bantayan Island. -/QSB (FREEMAN)