Philippine gov't seeks for continued assistance for typhoon survivors - Shanghai Daily (subscription)

MANILA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government appealed Sunday for continued assistance for the survivors of typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) as it admitted that despite best efforts, it was unable to adequately respond to all the needs of the affected communities.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the appeal as the country marked 100 days since Haiyan brought destruction to a large part of the country on Nov. 8.

"We realize that despite its best efforts, government is unable to adequately respond to all the needs of all the affected families and individuals. We continue to welcome suggestions on how we can improve our response and assistance," he said in an interview over a state-run radio station.

He said the government will act on reports of abuse or anomaly in the provision of relief services.

"We call on all Filipinos in the spirit of bayanihan ( cooperation) and in the spirit of EDSA People Power that we will be celebrating soon to continue working with government and all donor and aid agencies in extending a helping hand to our countrymen who are rebuilding their lives and seeking a better future," Coloma added.

Just like the advice of United Nations resident humanitarian coordinator Luiza Carvalho, he said no one can afford to become complacent at this time.

The government is firmly determined to carry out massive rehabilitation efforts in all 171 municipalities and cities affected by Haiyan, Coloma stressed.

The typhoon affected 14 million people and destroyed or severely damaged more than 1 million homes. It also left at least 6,200 people dead and more than 1,700 people missing.

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