Palace to let NDRRMC decide on foreign aid for Sendong victims

Although it welcomes any kind of aid for victims of tropical storm Sendong (Washi), Malacañang on Sunday said it will leave to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) the decision on whether to receive foreign aid to help in their relief work.   Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the NDRRMC is in the best position to determine what kind of aid would be needed by the thousands of people affected by the storm.   “We will have to defer to the NDRRMC if in their estimate and analysis, aid is needed. However, we welcome any and all donations from public and private sectors to help our fellow citizens get back on their feet after the storm,” she said. Aid, donations   US State Secretary Hillary Clinton had said in a statement that the United States government is ready to offer aid to the victims if needed. On Sunday late afternoon, the Philippine government is scheduled to airlift via C-130 potable water to Cagayan de Oro, which was heavily affected by the storm, according to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a text message to reporters. Lacierda also said private water concessionaire Maynilad has offered 1,500 5ml water bottles while the Philippine National Red Cross has offered its water bladders for the relief operations. Also, flag carrier Philippine Airlines has promised to carry free of charge relief donations from non-government organizations, private companies and religious groups to Cagayan de Oro and other affected areas in Mindanao. Asia Brewery, through its philanthropic arm Tan Yan Kee Foundation, is also sending bottled water to the disaster areas in the region. In a statement on Sunday, PAL Foundation Executive Director Carmen Sarmiento, recipients of donations from nearby cities should send their representatives to the Cagayan de Oro and Dipolog airports to formally accept the goods. Sarmiento said PAL will carry the relief goods as cargo on any of the five daily flights to Cagayan de Oro and five weekly flights to Dipolog using the Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft. Priority will be given to lightweight and non-bulky essential items such as medicines and foodstuff. PNoy visit Meanwhile, Valte reiterated President Benigno Aquino III will visit the storm-ravaged areas but not before the agencies involved coordinate their efforts.   Earlier, the NDRRMC indicated Aquino may visit the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities on Dec. 27, the Tuesday after Christmas.   “The president wants to make sure that the national agencies coordinating with the agencies on the ground have a concerted plan and actions,” Valte said. — KBK, GMA News