Question of Privilege of Rep. Relampagos Rep
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QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE OF REP. RELAMPAGOS REP. RELAMPAGOS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this same date last year, October 21, 2013, at this same plenary, I stood before this same august Chamber, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, to speak on the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the province of Bohol last October 15, 2013. It has been one year after that fateful day. Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, it has been a year of stories of loss, of survival, of selflessness, of sacrifice, of triumph, and of strength. To commemorate that day, the province of Bohol, at exactly 8:12 in the morning last Wednesday, simultaneously rang church bells, honked car horns and created noise barrage lasting for a few minutes. Thereafter, masses were held. This was Bohol’s way of remembering the year that was. It was Bohol’s way of showing unity, gratitude and hope. In my privilege speech last year, I offered various recommendations, and I am pleased to inform you, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, that there have been accomplishments since last year, foremost of which is the passage by this august Chamber of Republic Act No. 10634, the Supplemental Budget, to aid the rehabilitation and recovery not only of Bohol but of all provinces battered by disasters and calamities last year. The Bohol Earthquake Assistance fund has already been established and the guidelines recently formulated. There are also efforts now to update the multi-geohazard map of the country. Further, rehabilitation of some of the damaged churches has commenced and retrofitting of Bohol’s historical churches is also being carefully planned. In partnership with national agencies and international organizations, Bohol has developed a more aggressive Bohol Tourism Action Plan aimed to restore previous tourism attractions and develop new tourism circuits in the province to cater to tourists of all ages and interests. Slowly but surely, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, Bohol is on its way to recovery. We know it will still be a long way, but we are confident and we are hopeful. At this juncture, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, allow me to say, “Thank you for the help,” or “Salamat sa tabang!” to all who lent us their hands. Salamat sa tabang foremost to His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, who even slept in the town of Loon, the worst-hit municipality in my district. Salamat sa tabang also to Vice President Binay, Cabinet Secretaries Mar Roxas, Dinky Soliman, Voltaire Gazmin, Enrique Ona, Rogelio Singson, Edwin Lacierda, Ricky Carandang, Francis Tolentino and Ramon Jimenez Jr. All of them, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, went to Bohol after the earthquake to assess the situation and give the necessary assistance. Salamat sa tabang to this august Chamber for the speedy passage of the supplemental budget for 2013. Salamat sa tabang also to those who personally extended assistance. Salamat sa tabang to GSIS and SSS for heeding our call for more considerate calamity loan packages. Salamat sa tabang to the international community for affirming that humanitarian aid knows no boundaries. Salamat sa tabang to all Boholanos, and all Filipinos, outside the country who showed their support despite their distance. Salamat sa tabang to all the rescuers who went beyond their call of duty to save lives. Our humblest salute to all of you. Salamat sa tabang to all the strangers and the nameless heroes who gave what they could, did what they could and prayed all they could. Each and every help counted. Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, before I end this privilege speech, I would like to make this appeal to our efforts for disaster preparedness specifically for disaster risk reduction. Sitting in the Pacific Ring of Fire and being in the typhoon belt, the Philippines is necessarily vulnerable to disasters and calamities. Whether natural or man-made, hazards have now become the name of the game. Coupled with the increasing perils of climate change, we can only expect fiercer disasters and calamities in the years to come. The DPWH has already come up with the new normal when it comes to infrastructures. In the same vein, I submit, Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, that the new normal on disaster preparedness should focus on disaster risk reduction. In one study on international human rights law, it was stated: It is the responsibility of governments to protect their populations from national disasters and central to that effort is reducing the risks of natural hazards. While governments cannot prevent cyclones or earthquakes, they can take measures to reduce the impact of these events on their people. As aptly captured by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and I quote: Natural hazards are not disasters, in and of themselves. They become disasters depending on the elements of exposure, vulnerability and resilience, all factors that can be addressed by human (including state) action. Mr. Speaker, my dear colleagues, the 2005 Hyogo Declaration states, and I quote: x x x States have the primary responsibility to protect the people and property on their territory from hazards, x x x and to give high priority to disaster risk reduction in national policy, consistent with their capabilities and the resources available to them. This internationally accepted 2005 Hyogo Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction sets out three strategic goals: first, the integration of disaster risk reduction into sustainable development policies and planning; second, the development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capabilities to build the resilience of communities to hazards; and third, the systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs. Among the things that Boholanos have learned from the earthquake is disaster preparedness. But more than preparedness, disaster risk reduction is the way to go. There is no better time to ensure that the Philippines is geared up for disaster risk reduction. This is now our new normal. It can be done. It should be done. No more excuses. No more delays. Again, from the bottom of my heart, my sincerest “Salamat sa tabang!” Bohol will never forget your selflessness, your sacrifice and your support in one of our darkest times. Thank you and God bless us all! .