THE Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) will construct at least 5,000 new houses for victims of Typhoon Frank in the Bicol region and on Panay Island as part of the disaster-relief agency’s rehabilitation program.

This was disclosed over the weekend by Sen. Richard Gordon, PNRC chairman, who said the agency has committed to construct these houses with the help of volunteers in affected areas.

“The help given to the victims need not be limited to relief [goods]…we should also rehabilitate their lives,” Gordon told reporters.

He explained that, immediately, 1,000 units would be built­—750 in Iloilo and 250 in Aklan.

Gordon last week called the effects of Typhoon Frank on the livelihood of victims and their families as the “fourth disaster.” He said the government must create programs especially fit to help thousands of people rebuild their lives.

For one, Gordon said he would ask concerned agencies to provide soft loans for fisherfolk who lost their only source of income owing to Typhoon Frank. The sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars has rendered the seas off Sibuyan Island in Romblon and nearby provinces useless for the meantime.

He urged the owner of the ship and the government to immediately initiate steps to salvage the ship and remove it from where it overturned, citing reports by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that at least 16 more typhoons will hit the country this year, some stronger than Frank.

“We can’t just let Princess of the Stars to lay there. It poses serious risks,” he said in the forum. The passenger ship, aside from the thousands of gallons of diesel it has, reportedly carried tons of restricted pesticide endosulfan, which is highly toxic.

Acting upon the orders of President Arroyo, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) sent a contingent of doctors, volunteers and health workers to provide medical and relief mission in the towns of San Fernando, Kahidyukan and Magdiwang on Sibuyan Island.

As part of its Sagip-Tulong ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Sagip-Tulong ni PGMA) program, Pagcor coordinated with the Air Force’s 205 Tactical Helicopter Wing and the National Food Authority (NFA) to hasten the delivery of medical services, medicines and distribution of more than 5,000 packs of relief goods.

Three weeks have passed since Typhoon Frank wrought havoc on this island-province, but its aftermath continues to take a toll on the lives of the locals here.

Dependent mainly on farming and fishing for their livelihood, the residents of Sibuyan, particularly those from barangay Mabini in San Fernando—the hardest-hit town—are clueless as to where they would get their next meal.

Not only did the typhoon ravage millions of pesos worth of agricultural crops and coconut plantations, it also caused the sinking of Sulpicio Line’s MV Princess of the Stars, which claimed the lives of hundreds of passengers.

The submerged vessel is now feared of destroying the precious marine ecosystem off the Sibuyan waters. Some parts of the Sibuyan Sea were barricaded by the Philippine Coast Guard and were declared off-limits for swimming and fishing due to possible contamination of endusulfan, which was loaded on the Sulpicio ship.

Almost 3,000 families in San Fernando alone have been displaced and are living with their relatives who dwell in elevated areas.

Glynda Mangarin, 58, a public- school teacher in Mabini Elementary School, said the typhoon had left them with practically nothing, even classrooms.

“At this time, the residents here nearly rely on the generosity of organizations like Pagcor because the sources of livelihood, particularly of the farmers and fishers, are threatened,” she said.

According to San Fernando Mayor Nanette Tansingco, the local government is doing its best to alleviate the plight of the locals. “But in times like these, we are really thankful that organizations like Pagcor are there to lend a hand,” she said.

Pagcor’s team continues with its medical mission in the locality, servicing more than 2,000 individuals in the municipality of San Fernando.

Pagcor chairman Efraim  Genuino said that the state-run gaming company will continue to be instrumental in providing immediate relief to victims of natural calamities. “It is our responsibility to respond to our people’s cry for help,” he said.

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Sorsogon policemen recover 3 bodies from Sulpicio vessel

THREE bodies in the advanced stage of decomposition and believed to be among the missing passengers of MV Princess of the Stars that overturned off at the height of Typhoon Frank on June 21 were fished out on Sunday on the municipal waters here adjoining Ticao Pass in Castilla, Sorsogon.

Red Cross to build 5,000 houses for storm victims

THE Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) will construct at least 5,000 new houses for victims of Typhoon Frank in the Bicol region and on Panay Island as part of the disaster-relief agency’s rehabilitation program.

Immigration turns back 2 trade union, human-rights leaders

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CA stops proceedings for rehabilitation of SCP

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Zambo, government agencies ready for influx of Pinoy deportees

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4 Basilan power-firm workers freed, Zambo nurse kidnapped

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