ORMOC CITY, Philippines – “Magsisilbi kayong inspirasyon sa iba,†President Benigno Aquino III told Ormocanons gathered at the City Hall here, as he lauded the Ormocanon spirit for immediately rising up after being badly battered by typhoon Yolanda last Nov. 8.
Aquino, together with DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, arrived here on a chopper at 10:30 a.m. or 10 days after Yolanda.
He had a private meeting with Ormoc City officials, led by Mayor Edward Codilla who was joined by his brother Mayor Elmer Codilla of Kananga town. Also present were Ormoc Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr. and the city councilors.
The President said that, on his way from Camp Downes where his chopper landed, he noted the city roads were already cleared and that many businesses have already opened and resumed operations.
He said he was happy the private sector had helped the city government in restoring normalcy in the city’s state of affairs. “What Ormocanons were doing and showing the world was admirable,†he said.
Aquino was further thankful that other countries have been helping the national government. “There are now 28 countries who are helping,†he said.
Locsin, for his part, said that among the important points of the talks with the president was the fuel situation in Ormoc and the need for more transportation to bring in relief goods, housing and power.
“The president told us power would be restored in Ormoc City on December 9 and the whole of Leyte on December 24,†Locsin told The Freeman.
As for fuel, “we (the city) are already running out and we need fuel badly to be able to go about relief and rehabilitation work,†he said. “We also told him that relief aid was coming in trickles, thus we needed more transportation to bring in these goods.â€
Locsin added: “We also told the president we need temporary shelters. It is always raining and people need to have good shelter.â€
Before his Ormoc visit, Aquino was in Basey town in Samar to meet with officials there and offer comfort to the survivors. (FREEMAN)