Ping cites rebuilding efforts of 3 E. Visayas towns

MANILA, Philippines - The municipal governments of three Eastern Visayas towns devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda have shown their determination to get back on their feet three months after the killer howler pounded the region.

Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson yesterday said officials of Balangiga and Guian towns in Eastern Samar and Tanauan town in Leyte managed to rehabilitate their municipal halls, public markets and other areas after the massive devastation last Nov. 8.

In an interview with radio station dzMM, Lacson said the rehabilitation was made possible with the support of some private groups, which have been giving assistance since the disaster struck.

In Balangiga, for instance, Lacson said a private sponsor helped the municipal government rehabilitate the town hall, which was formally turned over on Wednesday.

Lacson oversaw the turnover, facilitated by Dennis Wright, president and chief executive officer of Peregrine Development International Inc.; Jim Spore, executive vice president; and Michael Russel, chief financial officer of Global Gateway Development Corp.

The American firms also donated water purification systems and will soon build classrooms and rehabilitate the Balangiga church. 

Lacson said even the public market and public complex have been rehabilitated in Balangiga, thanks to the resolve of Mayor Viscuso de Lira.

Lacson also cited similar private sector-assisted developments in Tanauan and Guian towns.

Yolanda ravaged 171 cities and towns, and as part of the rehabilitation strategy, Lacson said they were grouped into 24 areas to speed up the rebuilding.

Lacson said several non-government and private groups have adopted 18 of the 24 areas. – With Aurea Calica