Vice President Jejomar C. Binay thanked foreign contingents who are giving assistance to different areas ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda.

            “We are grateful for all the aid and support given to our country in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. I would like to thank all those who helped the Philippines as we continue to work towards full recovery from this tragedy,” Binay said.

            Binay, on Saturday, went on a shore visit in support of Operation Damayan in Guiuan, Eastern Samar being conducted by the George Washington Strike Group and the US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

            During his visit to Guiuan, the Vice President was welcomed by Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander of the Battle Force 7th Fleet, and was shown around the operations center. The admiral also joined the Vice President on an aerial inspection of the affected towns in Samar on board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter.

            “Guiuan was heavily affected by Typhoon Yolanda and I was told that they were isolated for many days. Thankfully, relief goods were able to be delivered thanks using helicopters from the George Washington Strike Group and the US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade,” Binay added.

            From Guiuan, the Vice President flew to Tacloban where he met with local government officials for consultations on housing rehabilitation.

            “We already met with local officials of Tacloban and we reassured them that the national government will help them in rebuilding damaged houses. The National Housing Authority (NHA) will also help in the resettlement of families living in danger areas,” Binay said.

            Binay also met with members of the Israeli Defense Forces who are manning a roving hospital in Bogo, Cebu. Binay visited Cebu last week to deliver relief and ensure Yolanda survivors of government support.

            “There is massive destruction everywhere, but I assured our people that the government will help them rise up from this ordeal,” Binay said.

            Binay went to Bogo, Medellin, and Daanbatayan in Cebu. He also recently visited towns in Iloilo and Capiz that have also been ravaged by the typhoon.