VICE President Jejomar Binay described the destruction caused by magnitude-7.2 earthquake in the Visayas region last Tuesday as "very unimaginable."
The official flew to quake-hit areas in Bohol and Bohol last Thursday and conducted ocular inspection of the affected areas.
"You have to see it para maintindihan mo talaga kung anong extent ng damage," Binay said. "There is no substitute for ocular inspection in order to see firsthand the real situation, what is needed, and to discuss with local officials the extent of how far we can go in trying to extend our assistance.
He said Bohol needs more help in terms of food and water.
Binay handed out 12,000 relief bags and 1,000 gallons of water in Maribojoc, Sagbayan, San Isidro, Baclayon and other affected towns in Bohol. He also distributed 1,000 food packs and 7,000 bottles of water in Cebu City.
The Vice President admitted that supplies of food and water in Bohol are not enough, as he urged the public to extend help to the victims of the tragedy.
Aside from houses and major infrastructures, the powerful quake heavily damaged famous landmarks in the Central Visayas, including old churches.
According to recent official reports by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 173 were reported dead, 20 were missing, and 498 people were injured.
In all, about 35,000 structures were damaged or destroyed.
The deadliest earthquake in the Philippines in 23 years, the energy of the quake released was equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs.
Binay maintained that government has been doing everything. His office and Makati City have deployed teams to conduct relief and rescue operations in Bohol and Cebu.
"We assure the people of Bohol and Cebu that your government will provide all the help you need to rebuild your lives," the Vice President said.
Binay announced that the Pag-Ibig Fund has allocated P4.5 billion for calamity loans for earthquake survivors. The agency also imposed a three-month moratorium on housing loan payments.
Members may file their claim at the nearest Pag-Ibig branch.
Pag-Ibig borrowers, Binay said could claim insurance if the unit subject of their respective loans is covered by earthquake, typhoon and allied peril insurance.
Pag-Ibig has deployed roving offices in the affected areas for easier access to members.
The National Housing Authority will also provide P5,000 worth of home materials for residents whose houses were partially damaged. The agency will also resettle families whose homes were totally ruined.
He however said that the recent calamities are challenges that will define who we are as a people, saying 'Ito ho ang pagkakataon na nasusubok kung ano ho ang Pilipino. Babangon po tayo sa problema po natin." (Jun Sarmiento/Sunnex)
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