NEDA Region 8 inaugurates reconstructed typhoon-wrecked building

PALO, Leyte, April 29 (PNA) -– The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has inaugurated on Friday its newly-rehabilitated office building destroyed by the 2013 monster typhoon.

Government officials and NEDA employees gathered to witness the building marker, ribbon cutting, blessing of the entire building, commemorative tree planting, and inaugural program held at the regional office compound at this town’s government center.

NEDA Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said the 2013 continuing appropriations amounting to PHP29.54 million funded the initial reconstruction efforts as approved by then NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan.

“The initial funds were allocated for land improvements, building reconstruction, repair and purchase of office and information technology equipments totally wrecked by super typhoon Yolanda,” Uy said.

The NEDA central office also approved PHP5.5 million under the 2015 allocation to improve and complete the remaining reconstruction works of the building.

“We are here today without a single trace of Yolanda. This is has been much improved as a testimony to the resiliency of the people who worked in this place,” Uy added.

The newly reconstructed building also houses the Philippines Government - Asian Development Bank (ADB) - Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) Yolanda project management office, and the Regional Development Council (RDC) office.

Leading the inauguration were NEDA Director General Emmanuel Esguerra, ADB Philippines Country Director Richard Bolt, Leyte Governor and RDC Chairman Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, and Palo town Mayor Remedios Petilla.

“For the staff to be able to deliver effectively on its task there should be a good working environment provided and that has always been the concern,” Esguerra said.

The government constructed the office building in 1978 to house the NEDA Eastern Visayas regional office.

On November 8, 2013, super typhoon Yolanda’s fierce winds had blown the building’s roof and 3.6-meter storm surges inundated the ground floor, rendering the building totally damaged. (PNA)
FFC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO