Iloilo commemorates 'Frank' anniversary
Iloilo commemorated yesterday the first year anniversary of the so-called ‘Great Flood,’ caused when Typhoon Frank hit Region VI, dumping rains that triggered flash floods almost everywhere.
The City Government held a simple program was held yesterday at the Jaro covered gymnasium, where a year ago, hundreds of people whose houses where swept away by the flash flood, took shelter. Guests were Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez Sr.
In his address, Gordon stressed on the importance of disaster preparedness.
City Tourism and Development Officer, Ben Jimena gave updates on the status of continuing relief operations for Frank victims, particularly on the construction of low-cost housing units for those living in flood-prone areas of the City.
At the Pavia National High School in Pavia town, 18 US Navy sailors worked hand in hand with their Philippine counterparts in renovating portions of the school damaged by the flood.
DyOK Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo, a local station of the Manila Broadcasting Company, organized a tree-planting activity. DyFM Bombo Radyo-Iloilo, meanwhile, held a photo exhibit showing pictures of the tragedy.
In the meantime, local leaders aired their hopes that the Senate would finally approve the Paglaum Fund.
Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias said that the bill has been pending before the Committee on Ways and Means.
Under the Bill, the government would allocate P8 billion for the rehabilitation of Western Visayas.
Seventy-eight people died, and 136 were missing when Frank hit Panay island.. The provinces of Iloilo, Aklan and Antique were hardest hit; tens of thousands lost their homes to the floods.