MANILA, Philippines - Two weeks after supertyphoon Yolanda battered parts of eastern Visayas, many residents of the affected areas have yet to receive adequate help from the government, a Church official said on Tuesday.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, also called on the government to expedite the delivery of relief goods and medical assistance to the affected residents, particularly in Cebu and Panay Islands.
Palma said time is of the essence during these critical times, which could spell life or death for the survivors of the powerful storm.
"Nakakalungkot dahil alam po natin na marami ang gustong tumulong pero matagal bago dumating ang relief goods.Alam po natin na kung 'yung tao ay nagugutom, nauuhaw ay hindi makapaghintay ng susunod na araw. Maraming salamat sa mga tumulong at gusto pang tumulong.
"Sana po lahat tayo magsumikap na 'yung tulong ay makakarating ng mas madali. Nangangamba tayo na kapag tumagal ang relief goods ay hindi na masasabing tulong kundi abuloy na lamang," Palma said.