Typhoon 'Frank' survivors commemorate 'unfaithful day'BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Manila Bulletin / Panay News
KALIBO, Aklan - Thousands of Aklanons joined the provincial government in commemorating the typhoon 'Frank' anniversary with a medical/dental mission, thanksgiving mass and concert at the park yesterday.
More than 5,000 typhoon survivors trooped to the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Cultural and Sports Complex to avail of giftgiving, medical check-up, haircut, shiatsu and supplemental feeding from civic and non-government organizations.
Super typhoon 'Frank' devastated the province of Aklan on June 21, 2008 leaving 53 people killed by mudflows triggered by torrential rains and landslides. At least P2.012-billion worth of infrastructures, public utilities and agricultural crops were destroyed, a report of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) showed.
Last year, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez urged all Aklanons to look for opportunities despite the calamity in Aklan, the worst-hit province in Panay Island.Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores also called for the immediate plans to dredge the silted Aklan River to minimize the perennial flooding of low-lying barangays in Kalibo, Numancia, Banga, Lezo, Malinao, Libacao and Madalag.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who visited the province twice, distributed relief assistance to displaced families and oversee the rehabilitaton of damaged infrastructures in Aklan.
A week after the typhoon, a contingent from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with heavy equipments arrived in Aklan to help in the clearing of clogged drainages and waterways. 'Task Force Kapatid' of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) and the Metro Kalibo Water District also restored power and water services in typhoon-affected areas in Aklan.
The thanksgiving day entitled "Triumph Over Frank" is a celebration of the strong spirit of every Aklanon in overcoming a formidable nature's wrath that typhoon 'Frank' brought last June 21, 2008.
The commemorative event was supported by the Aklan Medical Society, Aklan Pharmacists Association, Department of Health, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc. – Aklan Chapter, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Aklan Dental Association, Aklan Nursing Association, the Philippine Army and the 601st Community Defense Center.
A week after the typhoon, a contingent from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with heavy equipments arrived in Aklan to help in the clearing of clogged drainages and waterways. 'Task Force Kapatid' of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) and the Metro Kalibo Water District also restored power and water services in typhoon-affected areas in Aklan.The thanksgiving day entitled "Triumph Over Frank" is a celebration of the strong spirit of every Aklanon in overcoming a formidable nature's wrath that typhoon 'Frank' brought last June 21, 2008.
The commemorative event was supported by the Aklan Medical Society, Aklan Pharmacists Association, Department of Health, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc. – Aklan Chapter, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Aklan Dental Association, Aklan Nursing Association, the Philippine Army and the 601st Community Defense Center.
Although the intent of the provincial government is good, it seems that this commemoration can be taken as a "consuelo the bobo". Because until now, the dredging of the Aklan river has not started yet. I hope that the call of the congressman for the immediate plan to dredge the Aklan river may not remain just a call. In my vocabulary, the word "immediate" means to perform with little or no delay.
ReplyDeleteCongressman Miraflores sang dag on eon ro nag taliwan. may na aw eon baea ro imong plano ay?
It's nice to have commemoration such as these because atleast some ordinary people of Aklan are able to benefit some sort of health care from the good people of medical mission volunteers and the like.
ReplyDeleteThis is about the commemoration of Typhoon Frank disaster. However, this article never stated anything regarding the status of the so called "programs" and "projects" which will prevent from ocurring again a disaster such as what Typhoon Frank brought to the province. These politicians always talk and promise that they will do this and that after such disaster happens. It is always a reaction to the disaster, and never about prevention.
After the disaster, lots of promises that funds will be release to pay for projects like dredging of the river, upgrade and repair of drainage, etc., etc. So, now where are the fundings went? Nothing has been done, so for sure no funding has been spent. Therefor, who's pocket did those funding went to? I hope articles would be written also regarding these issues. Aklanon needs to know!