AS THE nation observes the sixth anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda that hit Eastern Visayas, Malacañang vowed Friday, November 8, that the government will continue pushing for a "safe, adaptive, and resilient” Philippines.
"Today, November 8, the Office of the President joins the entire nation in remembering the sixth anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan)," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
"The Office of the President recognizes that natural hazards have become the new normal in the 21st century, and therefore, we must continue to be relentless in creating safe, adaptive and resilient communities. It is our collective responsibility," he added.
Super Typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas on November 8, 2013, killing around 6,300 people.
Panelo said the Palace commended the front line government agencies, organizations, and volunteers who helped "during one of the most difficult times our country faced."
"We laud the exemplary resilience of our own people, which in the face of a great adversity, have remained steadfast and have moved forward," Panelo said.
Panelo said the super typhoon has taught the current administration a "hard lesson in public service.'
"Yolanda has likewise taught us, especially those in the bureaucracy, a hard lesson in public service. Tapang and malasakit (Courage and compassion) became buzzwords from a people weary of government apathy," he said. (NASE/SunStar Philippines)