P-Noy lauds Ormoc residents for quick recovery

ORMOC CITY, Philippines - – President Aquino lauded residents of this city for quickly recovering after being battered by Super Typhoon Yolanda, saying they would serve as an inspiration to others.

The President, together with Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, arrived here by helicopter at 10:30 a.m. yesterday.

He had a private meeting with city officials led by Mayor Edward Codilla, who was joined by his brother, Mayor Elmer Codilla of the nearby town of Kananga, Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr. and city councilors.

The President said he noticed on his way from Camp Downes where his chopper landed that the city roads were cleared and that many stores have resumed operations.

He said he was also happy to hear that the private sector is actively involved in restoring normalcy in the city.

Noting that the situation in Yolanda-hit areas is beginning to normalize, the President returned to Manila yesterday.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said the President “saw the improvements in the situation since last week” and “he also had things to attend to this week.”

When he went to Tacloban City on Sunday, the President said he would return to Manila once he is satisfied with the response being done by officials in typhoon-hit areas.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said they would just wait for the President’s “guidance and direction on next moves based on his assessment of progress achieved thus far.” –With Aurea Calica, Iris Gonzales, Lawrence Agcaoili, Delon Porcalla