We are open to suggestions says Palace

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. answers questions from the media in a press briefing on Malacanang Friday when he advised people to remain vigilant until the exit of Typhoon Yolanda from the Philippine area of responsibility. He also commended the people along the typhoon path for heeding the call of the government to evacuate and take the necessary precautions as the typhoon approached. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – The Palace yesterday said that they are open to suggestions that would help haste the rehabilitation of areas destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda and at the same time improve the lives of the survivors.

According to Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. from the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the government welcomes any suggestions that can address their inadequacies in terms of implementing the rehabilitation programs.

The government is currently taking flak for its slow rehabilitation plans.

“We will come up with the best solution to attend to the needs of displaced survivors and ease the inconvenience they are experiencing,” he said.

He added that safety is their priority, thus people are not yet recommended to go back to unsafe and risky areas.

Coloma urges the public to practice “bayanihan” in order to help the government rebuild the lives of the typhoon survivors. Moreover, he said that the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda was felt in at least 81 provinces and that it is “too wide and deep,” thus the government will appreciate all the assistance it can get.