Press Release
October 13, 2009

CHIZ BATS FOR LAND DONATIONS AS RELOCATION SITES

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday asked big landowners to help in rehabilitation efforts for victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng by donating land to be developed into relocation sites.

"I call on fellow citizens who own tracts of land to donate portions so that these lands can be converted into relocation sites for the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng," Escudero said. "If they have a hundred hectares, perhaps it will not be too much to ask for them to donate 10 hectares."

He said all Filipinos should learn the painful lessons left by Ondoy and Pepeng, especially the dangers that settlements along lakes, rivers and waterways face.

"More than half a million Filipino families who resided in flood basins and along lakes, rivers and waterways are now homeless. They lost everything, including their loved ones," Escudero said.

The lawmaker said the high death toll and the massive devastation wrought by the two typhoons make it imperative for all Filipinos to "rise to the occasion" and extend as much assistance as they can.

"In the past three weeks we have seen how we Filipinos can rise to the occasion and help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. We have seen how far we can go to help. Now, we must take our efforts to the next level and work to provide a more lasting solution to the problem of loss of homes and livelihood," Escudero said.

"More importantly, a lasting solution such as relocation that is supported by livelihood would address the sense of hopelessness among typhoon victims. If we can take this out of their systems, then the battle is half-won," he said.

Escudero said Filipinos must continue to show the same kind of concern and commitment they have shown in the days following typhoon Ondoy, when floodwaters engulfed entire communities, particularly in eastern Metro Manila.

A week after Ondoy, Pepeng pummeled Northern Luzon, causing floodings and landslides that have so far claimed more than 200 lives in Baguio City, Benguet, Aurora and other provinces.

Escudero also called on big businessmen to invest in setting up factories and businesses in the relocation sites to give typhoon survivors a genuine fresh start.

"Alisin nating ang ugaling ningas cogon at pairalin ang diwa ng bayanihan at kabayanihan, lalo na sa mga panahong ito. Kailangan ipagpatuloy nating lahat ang pagtulong sa mga biktima ng Ondoy at Pepeng," he added.

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