Recto proposes Taal Commission for rehab efforts

Senator Ralph Recto is advocating for a centralized approach to manage the rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

He has proposed the creation of a "Taal Commission" to consolidate accountability and streamline reconstruction management.

Recto suggests that a "Cabinet coordinator" should be appointed to oversee and direct the actions of various agencies involved in the relief and rehabilitation process.

He also proposed "Volcano Financing Assistance" for displaced residents and a "convergence approach" where agencies combine efforts to maximize impact and avoid duplication.

Recto emphasized that a single point person or entity is needed to prevent bureaucratic divisions and "finger-pointing" in reconstruction efforts.

The senator highlighted the immediate needs of affected residents include financial aid and equipment for ashfall cleanup.

He commented that agency heads should have already developed a rebuilding blueprint during the volcano's two-week period of unrest.

The Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption on January 12 led to the evacuation of thousands of families and the raising of Alert Level 4, which has since been downgraded to Level 3.