Dinky lauds Ormoc people

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman who was in this city yesterday for an inter- cluster meeting lauded local residents in their effort to immediately rebound from the devastation of typhoon Yolanda.

Soliman, who was in the city three days after the typhoon, told the international partners how she admired Ormocanons when she saw them doing something to mitigate the impact. "I saw them cleaning the community, clearing thoroughfares and cleaning their homes; Ormoc is alive, I was encouraged," she said.

The secretary said she was impressed to the point of detailing how she was astonished to see inside the damaged city hall a functioning local government unit. "They (local government) posted in the pillars and walls the list of donors, directions and instructions for responders, list of available hotels and transport services."

She also mentioned the tables manned by employees for coordination.  "From donation to information desks, they are organized," she added.

The secretary credited the response of the city from day one and the continuing progress since the typhoon struck to the leadership of Mayor Edward Codilla. Though she was careful in choosing her words, it was evident the secretary was very much aware that this LGU is the front runner in the race towards recovery. —/JMD (FREEMAN)