Aquino approves Yolanda rehab, recovery plan

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III approved on Wednesday the three-phase plan for the recovery and rehabilitation of areas and communities affected by typhoon Yolanda.

In a meeting with the Cabinet secretaries, Aquino approved in principle the Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan presented by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

"The plan has three phases: to provide immediate assistance to affected areas, expand initiatives and programs in the medium term, and reach full recovery and rehabilitation in the long term," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the president asked the Cabinet members involved in the plan to provide more specific details on the measures to be taken.

The Cabinet will meet the president again on Friday to present refinements to the plan, which Aquino wants implemented as soon as possible, Lacierda said.

The rehabilitation plan focuses on six areas, namely shelter and reconstruction, power restoration, livelihood and employment, environment and resettlement, psychosocial care and resource generation and allocation.

Aquino created last week the group headed by Balisacan to oversee the rebuilding efforts in Eastern Visayas.

Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council pegged the cost of damage at P24.5 billion, with over 5,000 killed.