PRC local chapters extend assistance to Surigaonons
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 12 (PIA) –
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chapters from Agusan del Norte-Butuan City, Agusan
del Sur and Surigao del Norte-Surigao City extended their assistance to the
victims of the 6.7 magnitude quake in the city.
As a precautionary measure, hundreds of Surigaonons
living near the coastal areas have evacuated Saturday night at the provincial
capitol grounds as series of aftershocks can still be felt.
“To help the evacuees on their overnight stay at
the provincial capitol grounds, we have installed eight large tents which serve
as their temporary shelter,” said John Rafael DaΓ±o of PRC Surigao del Norte
chapter.
DaΓ±o also said that a welfare desk was installed at
the capitol grounds to provide basic medical services and counseling to
traumatize victims of the earthquake and aftershocks.
Both the two Agusan chapters have provided medical
services and transportation assistance to the victims.
DaΓ±o further said that the PRC Tacloban City
chapter also confirmed that they would provide affected localities with water
and sanitation services.
During the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(PRRD) in the city Sunday afternoon, PRC has also prepositioned teams/volunteers
at the city hall compound to help provide assistance and services to the
Surigaonons who welcomed the President.
PRRD during his visit extended his condolences to
the families of the six casualties hit by the 6.7 quake. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
PRRD visits Surigaonons hit by 6.7 quake
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 12 (PIA) –
Officials and employees of the national line agencies and local govenrment
units, media, emergency response teams and earthquake-affected Surigaonons are
expecting the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte here on Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
(PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar will accompany the President who is scheduled
to arrive at the city gymnasium at 10:30 a.m.
Some 3,500 family food packs composed of five kilos
of rice, eight assorted canned goods, six sachets 3 in 1 coffee, and six liters
water will be given to the Surigaonons hit by the quake Friday night.
The distribution of the family pack will be led by
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy
Taguiwalo. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
Cusi: DOE overseeing earthquake power rehab
efforts, fuel price freeze
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 12 (PIA) - In
the light of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that hit Surigao del Norte on Friday,
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi today joined President Rodrigo Duterte and other
cabinet members in extending the necessary assistance to all affected
communities and individuals.
“We are looking into the extent of the damages
caused by the earthquake. We are addressing the immediate needs and concerns of
our people on energy," said Secretary Cusi, who stressed "safety is
the top priority."
"We have to ensure an adequate, reliable and
secure supply of energy and to execute fair pricing of petroleum products, such
as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),” added Cusi.
Cusi said his department is closely monitoring the
power restoration efforts being conducted by the Surigao del Norte Electric
Cooperative, Inc. (SURNECO).
According to a National Electrification
Administration’s report, 95 percent of SURNECO’s franchise area has been
restored by 11:00 p.m. last night.
The effort has so far energized the primary lines
of Surigao City and all the municipalities of the province while the remaining
five percent is still being addressed by the electric cooperative.
SURNECO also reported the damage on its main office
building, necessitating the transfer to their old building and covered court.
Earlier, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines
reported that there is no earthquake-related damage or sustained fault on
transmission facilities.
For the petroleum and oil products, the DOE has
reiterated the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10623 which imposes a
"price freeze" on certain LPG and kerosene products being sold in the
areas affected by the calamity.
“With the declaration of a State of Calamity,
government will impose a price freeze on basic energy commodities for 15 days,
particularly for kerosene and household LPG," said Cusi.
“In order to effectively ensure the supply of
petroleum products, oil companies are obliged to update the DOE of the
operational status of their depots and gasoline stations within the areas to
stabilize the supply and reduce chances of individuals who are taking advantage
of the oil situation,” he added.
“The DOE assures everyone that it will remain to be
vigilant in protecting the interest of the public," Sec. Cusi concluded.
(DOE/PIA-Caraga)
