'Gov't shifts from relief to recovery in post-Ruby era'

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government is now focusing on recovery and rehabilitation instead of relief work in areas struck by Typhoon Hagupit (local name Ruby), President Benigno Aquino III said yesterday.

Aquino visited central Philippine province of Eastern Samar, the hardest hit area when Hagupit battered the country during the first week of December.

"We are now moving from relief stage to recovery and rehabilitation. Our assistance will continue," he told residents in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

He said latest data showed that only 332 families or 1,529 individuals have remained in 44 evacuation centers in Eastern Samar.

During his trip to the province, Aquino also turned over to officials of Borongan City and Dolores town 68 million Philippine pesos and P46 million ($1.52 million and P1.03 million), respectively, for work program for almost 30,000 family beneficiaries.

Hagupit left 18 people dead and displaced almost 19,000 families.