Senator seeks creation of a Siargao rehabilitation commission
A SENATOR on Thursday filed a resolution urging President Rodrigo R. Duterte to establish a commission that will lead Siargao island’s recovery and rehabilitation from the devastating impact of a typhoon that struck in mid-December.
Senator Francis N. Tolentino said the establishment of such a committee is within the powers of the President under the Administrative Code of 1987.
Senate Resolution 966 calls for the creation of a body to be called Siargao Tourism Rehabilitation Commission, which will act as the overall and central coordinating body of all government agencies, non-government organizations, and affected communities in the implementation and monitoring of rehabilitation and recovery programs in the island province.
Siargao, located off the northeastern side of the southern mainland of Mindanao, is a tourist destination well-known for surfing.
Under the proposal, the commission will be tasked to draft the recovery master plan, taking into consideration environmental protection, eco-tourism, resilience and, sustainable growth in the province.
Typhoon Odette, with international name Rai, made its first of nine landfalls on the island on Dec. 16. It was the 15th and considered strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines last year.
Local officials estimate the damage in Siargao to be at least P20 billion, including damage to houses, other private buildings, and public infrastructure.
“In addition to the immediate critical needs of the affected residents such as food, water, shelter, and health care, the long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding of the affected homes, businesses, and other infrastructures in Siargao Island must also be addressed,” Mr. Tolentino said. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
