In times of disasters, people turn to television and the Internet for information. But ironically in the Philippines, access to life-saving information remains elusive especially for people living below poverty line and in distant areas with no electricity and cell service.
A barangay official from Tacloban, Leyte, Jessica Seno Panis (left) cries as she thanks Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (right) for including her during Friday’s oath taking ceremony of new barangay officials at Almendras Gym. Panis is temporarily residing with relatives in Davao after Typhoon Yolanda ravaged her city and other parts of Eastern Visayas, but said she will return soon to serve her constituents in Barangay 73 PHHC. (davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante)
There are still many needs for the survivors, from medicines, water, shelter kits and tools and clothes, as national and international aid groups have flocked to Eastern Visayas. It’s a question of time and resolve from government to get things done in the soonest time possible.
Without electricity and relief in Leyte including this town of Tolosa, a resident still posts a broken television set and sign to show his wish to to watch boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao's fight against Brando Rios last Sunday. (davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante)
Different poses of Typhoon Yolanda survivors as they await their turn in a relief mission in a town in Leyte. (photo courtesy of Balsa Mindanao)