Former Defense Secretary Gilberto (GIBO) Teodoro, Jr. said all efforts must be focused on rescue and recovery during the height and aftermath of Typhoon Odette. The powerful typhoon devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Gibo Teodoro, a 2022 senatorial candidate, urged all relief efforts to be coordinated through the responsible agency that is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He said that different relief operations by various groups will not effectively assist those affected by the typhoon.

Teodoro, who has spearheaded numerous typhoon recovery and relief operations as former Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, will work towards the capacity building for first responders and the construction and rebuilding of more resilient infrastructure.

The former Tarlac congressman said that the country’s disaster relief and recovery efforts have since improved, especially in equipment and first responders’ capabilities, but there is still the need for further development since we learn from every occurrence.

Teodoro said the government must have oversight functions in disaster risk response and that funds must be cascaded to local government units.