By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
WITH THE occurrences – left and right – of natural calamities, here comes the beacon of hope – LITAW.
LITAW is an acronym for Liwanag, Internet, Water, Assistance and Welfare. It’s a program introduced by Sen. Francis Tolentino aimed at helping victims of natural calamities/disasters surmount the challenges, leading to rebuilding their communities.
LITAW, of course, was patterned after the Tagalog word litaw, which means afloat. It will be started in January next year by the government with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) as lead implementing agency.
What’s the difference between LITAW and the usual ayuda being extended by the government to calamity victims?
LITAW is more holistic in nature and approaches. Aside from relief goods and cash assistance given to typhoon, flood, and quake victims, it will also ensure that calamity victims are exempted from paying their internet, water and electricity bills while reeling from natural crisis.
Speeding up reconstruction or rehabilitation efforts for ruined infrastructures, including those in the communication aspect, will be prioritized,
Simply put, there is a sort of “empowerment” for victims of disastrous events beyond the relief or ayuda.
LITAW will be institutionalized in response to the worsening climate change or global warming across the globe, including Philippines
I do admire this. No law has been passed yet giving relief from internet, water and electricity bills despite many struggling from the wrath of calamities. Example: the Kanlaon eruption evacuees. No one says they’re exempted yet from paying their monthly internet, water and electricity bills.
Quite stupid, right? They are in evacuation centers yet they’re liable to pay their monthly dues just to keep their internet, water and electricity connections remain uncut.
Negrenses are seriously hoping that Tolentino’s LITAW will surely lilitaw at hindi lulubog.
Greek philosopher and polymath Aristotle once said: “Hope is a waking dream.”
For any struggling households right after calamities, LITAW will spell a notable difference. Pinoy talagang lilitaw with LITAW anumang kalamidad ang susuunging.
With new year 2025 just around the corner, everyone can hope with this LITAW./PN
