Fire victims get livelihood aid

CEBU, Philippines - Senate majority floor leader Alan Peter Cayetano calls for the creation of an “Emergency Response Department” to provide more inclusive and speedy program that will aid victims of natural and man-made calamities.

Cayetano, who visited the fire victims in Barangay Luz and Camputhaw in Cebu City the other day, said the national government should strengthen and improve its plan of action in terms of responding to calamities.

“In times of emergencies, government should be prepared on all possible circumstance. We should not wait for more disasters and calamities to hit our country before we can fully ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people,” said Cayetano.

The senator, who has already declared his intention to run for president in 2016, gave P25,000 financial assistance to each barangay as seed money for fire victims’ livelihood program.

Cayetano has filed Senate Bill No. 1940 or the establishment of an “Emergency Response Department” that will be headed by a Cabinet secretary.

Cayetano said a comprehensive ERD law will lead to the improvement of calamity operations in the country and will make sure that a more responsive, immediate and focused action will be carried out by the government in times of emergencies.

He added that aside from helping the victims, it is best that the government will ensure that every Filipino family’s welfare is protected by efficient and competent actions without delay, irregularity, or corruption.  (FREEMAN)