MANILA - President Benigno Aquino on Monday night declared a state of national calamity following the massive devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda.
The declaration will allow the national government to fast-track delivery of aid and basic services, particularly in typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas.
"Mapapabilis ang relief at rescue operations. Magkakaroon ng price freeze," Aquino said in a televised address.
The President said the typhoon leveled many communities despite preparations made by local officials.
"Talagang malaki ang pinsalang nasaksihan natin. Sa mga darating na araw, lalo pang papaspas ang ayuda," he said.
Aquino said he personally saw the damage in Samar and Leyte.
"Dito nakakatutok ang ating pagbibigay-lingap," he said, adding that organizing and implementing relief efforts are not easy.
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