Aquino disappointed in slow recovery in typhoon-hit area

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III felt astonished after learning that power has yet to be restored in 24 of the 42 villages hit by typhoon Pablo almost two years ago in his visit to Davao Oriental today.

Aquino said he was surprised to know the news when Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon reported development since typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha) battered the region in December 2012.

He told the Departments of Energy (DOE), Budget and Management (DBM) and the National Electrification Authority (NEA) to avoid testing his patience and immediately act on the problems in the towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston during a visit in Cateel in Davao Oriental.

Malanyaon said power was only restored in the town centers and villages along the highway.

She said the province needs adequate power supply to ensure the continued rehabilitation of the affected towns and in the development of industries in the affected areas.

Aquino, who took power in mid 2010, reiterated his administration's commitment to continue the rebuilding efforts in the typhoon-affected towns even if the national government had already distributed 508,234 food packs to the survivors and spent P10.5 billion ($235.4 million) for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected areas.

He said in Cateel in particular a total of 110 permanent housing units had already been built but the government is committed to relocate and provide permanent housing for 1,179 families by August.

Typhoon Pablo killed at least 1,020 people, mostly on the southern island of Mindanao, when it hit southern Philippines in early December 2012, according to Philippine government disaster relief agency.