June 20th, 2023
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district), in a statement today, requested the continued support of the national government amid continued volcanic activity by Mayon, whose lava flow has reached “maximum length” of up to 2.5 kilometers.
“The rumblings continue and the danger remains. We respectfully request the continued support of the national government for local governments with evacuees. The primary responsibility for evacuees lies with LGUs, but we really need national government support to keep people safe,” Salceda said.
“LGUs who have evacuated their people have made the decision that early evacuation is necessary to protect the lives of their people. But they need help. That is why we have repeatedly expressed our gratitude to the national government for its steadfast support of evacuation efforts. The crucial ingredient to zero-casualty is sufficient resources. And so far, the national government has been extremely supportive.”
“Zero-casualty can be a very expensive objective – but it is embedded in our constitution, our culture, and our values that there is nothing more expensive than the loss of human life,” Salceda said.
Salceda adds that “due to the protracted nature of Mayon evacuations, we will need not only food and economic assistance, but also health, safety, educational, and psychosocial support.”
“We definitely need provisions for more social workers, more health workers, and facilities to allow continued learning in evacuation centers. Evacuation should be minimally disruptive of the economic and social life of evacuees,” Salceda added.
PBBM assures WASH facilities
Salceda also thanked President Marcos for his assurance that the national government will assist with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in evacuation centers.
“Cleanliness is central to Filipino dignity. That’s why we are very thankful that the President has given his assurance of support for these facilities in evacuation centers,” Salceda added.
“For prolonged evacuation, sanitation concerns will compound. And the lack of WASH facilities compounds other risks, including disease.”
“The Albay delegation [in Congress] will continue to work with the House leadership, headed by Speaker Romualdez, to get the necessary funding for facilities.”