CALD Secretariat Returns to Leyte for Post-Haiyan Advocacy Activities

It has already been half a year since Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) stormed its way into the Philippines and caused destruction and devastation beyond compare. Countless relief, reconstruction and rebuilding efforts have been initiated by local, regional, national and international groups to meet the needs of the affected communities and the persisting demands of post-typhoon disaster management. However, despite the visible developments, much is still needed and the recovery process still counts on the unceasing support of groups from both the public and private sector.

As part of its continuing rebuilding efforts for the typhoon victims, and recalling all previous trips and projects initiated, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, together with the government-led offices of Secretary Neric Acosta: the Office the Philippine Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection; and the Laguna Lake Development Authority, and as well as its partners from the private sector, returned last 19 – 20 June 2014 to the province of Leyte, Eastern Visayas and organized “Tindog Visayas, Tanum para sa Paglaum,” a series of advocacy activities for different areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

The theme of the project is “Post-Yolanda Leyte: Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities.” This project had two components: a symposium on the first day and a combined tree planting, cycling and hiking event on the second day.

The symposium commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Jane Labastida, Vice President for Academics of Southern Leyte State University; Hon. Imelda Tan, Mayor of Sogod, Southern Leyte; Hon. Roger Mercado, Governor of Southern Leyte and Sec. Neric Acosta, Philippine Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority. Hereafter, Hon. Felicito Payumo, former Chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Congressman of the 1^st District of Bataan delivered the keynote speech.

Session 1 of the symposium, Taking Stock: Where are we now, assessed  the current situation of Leyte after the Yolanda disaster, focusing on the aspects of ecology and environment, economy and livelihood, infrastructure, social services and governance. successes and gaps of on-going programs and initiatives were also brought forward. Session speakers include: Mr. Leonardo Sibbaluca, DENR Regional  Executive Director for Region 8; Engr. Robert Castañares, Regional Governor of the Eastern Visayas Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Rolando Asis, DPWH Regional Director for Region 8, Mrs. Nilda Oliva, Head of the Protective Services Unit for DSWD Region 8; and  Dr. Efleda Bautista from the People Surge Alliance of Yolanda Survivors.

On the other hand, Session 2, Building Stakes: Where we want to go and how to get there?, gave focus on various short-,medium-, and long-term options and doable/innovative solutions with multi-sectoral consultation and involvement towards the building of disaster and climate change resilient communities in Post-Yolanda Leyte. Session speakers were: Ms. Haydee Jacklyn Malubay, Vice-President for Planning and Development from the JFH BN Development Corporation; Assistant Secretary Rolando Cusio from Office of the Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs; Ryan John Whisnant, Public-Private Partnership Specialist for Philippines B +WISER and U.S. Agency for International Development Contractor; Hon. Sheffered Lino Tan, Vice Governor of Southern Leyte.

Additionally, a ground-breaking ceremony and turnover of newly built classrooms funded by the PTT Philippines Corporation at the Tabon-Tabon Elementary School was simultaneously held.

The second day found participants up early in the morning for a public triathlon that composed of a foot race for runners, a bike route for cyclists, and a trek uphill, which concluded with a tree-planting activity at the summit of Mt. Nacolod in Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Tindog Visayas, Tanum para sa Paglaum activity goes beyond temporary, band aid solutions. It campaigns for what the Visayas needs – proper resilience management that incorporates disaster preparedness that adapts to the adverse impacts of climate change, coupled with the will power and collaboration of public and private sector to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection.