Duterte creates inter-agency task force to speed up rehab of Yolanda-hit areas

August 10, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte created a special task force to oversee use of the multi-billion funds allotted for areas damaged by Supertyphoon Yolanda (Hainan) in Leyte and Samar 2013.

The president signed last Tuesday as questions remain on delay of rehabilitation and how funds were used. It was released by the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea Thursday night.

Under Administrative Order No. 5, Malacanang pointed out a nearly four-year delay in implementing many projects and programs of the government.

At least 6,300 died in the Category 5 typhoon that struck Tacloban on November 8, 2013. Damage to infrastructure was estimated more than P89 billion.

The task force is ordered to submit reports on the rehabilitation efforts to the Office of the President every month, the order said.

The inter-agency will be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, with the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, and Presidential Assistant for Special Concerns as co-chairpersons.

Members include the secretaries of agriculture, budget and management, education, environment and natural resources, trade, social welfare, public works and highways; the National Economic and Development Authority and the chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. DMS