Bisaya Gyud party-list first nominee Alelee Aguilar-Andanar (right) and second nominee, lawyer Miko Clavano (File photo)
CEBU CITY – The Bisaya Gyud (BG) party-list 108 on Monday has committed to supporting President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to build shelters for the victims of Tropical Storm Agaton in Leyte.
According to BG Part-list first nominee Alelee Aguilar-Andanar, providing shelter to low-income families in Visayas and Mindanao regions is one of the key platforms should they win a seat in Congress this election.
She also thanked President Duterte for demonstrating utmost empathy to the victims of disasters who are now struggling to make ends meet after their homes and livelihood were destroyed.
“Kaisa ninyo ang BG-Partylist sa pagsusulong ng disente at libre o murang pabahay para sa mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga kababayan nating Bisaya (We are now with the plan to provide affordable housing for Filipinos especially those from Visayas),” she said.
She added: “Batid ko kung gaano kahalaga ang tirahan lalo na sa mga kababayan nating nakatira sa mga lugar na laging tinatamaan ng kalamidad. Isusulong din natin na gawing madali at mabilis ang proseso ng pabahay sa mga biktima ng bagyong Agaton at anumang kalamidad (I know how important shelter is for those affected by the calamity).
Andanar also vowed to prioritize the filing of and support any legislation that would strengthen the government’s housing program for the benefit of the Bisaya.
“Kung tayo po ay mahalal sa Kongreso, babantayan natin hanggang maging ganap na batas ang mga panukalang magpapalakas sa programang pabahay ng gobyerno (If elected to Congress, we will ensure the advancement of a housing law),” she said.
President Duterte visited Baybay City in Leyte province on Saturday, April 16, where he inspected the damages left by the onslaught of the typhoon last week. He told the families that in the remainder of his term, he will ensure that the next administration will pour assistance to them, especially in building their new homes.
According to the recent situational report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) today, a total of 584,108 families have been affected by the storm. A total of 43,626 families are still staying in evacuation centers. Affected regions included Region 5, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 10, Region 11, Region 12, CARAGA, and BARMM.
Partylist’s second nominee lawyer Mico Clavano said they will push for a bill that will improve the accessibility of decent shelter to low-income and poor families, and have this certified as an urgent bill.
“Ang hangarin natin ay hindi panandaliang solusyon lamang, kundi ang bigyan at gawing permanente ang solusyon para sa ika-aangat ng buhay ng mga Bisaya (Our aim is not only a short-term solution biut to provide a permanent one to uplift the living conditions of Bisayans),” he said. (PR)
