17 November 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III reached out to typhoon-affected residents of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, one of the provinces in the Visayas devastated by the strongest typhoon ever recorded in Philippine history, super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

From establishments to businesses, Guiuan was turned into a ghost town after Yolanda made its landfall last 8 November (Friday) in Eastern Samar.  The once busy province was temporarily paralyzed due to the total wreckage caused by the super typhoon.  Residents now appeal for help, especially for food and shelter, since Yolanda washed out all of what belongs to them.  Also, residents seek for health support after the typhoon left the hospitals not functional.

In a press briefing, the President complemented the local government of Guiuan for the quick response during the aftermath of Yolanda.  He commended them for the organized way of responding to relief operations.  As of now, President Aquino said that they need to assure the safety of 1.4 million affected Filipinos all over Eastern Visayas.  But he promised that the national government will exert efforts for the fast recovery of the affected areas.

As of the latest, 47,087 Guiuan residents were affected by the typhoon.  Deaths currently stand at 99 people while 2,660 were injured.  Meanwhile, agriculture and infrastructures in the province reached an estimated loss of P400 million and P7.1 billion respectively.