MANILA – Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has instructed a key shelter agency to build permanent evacuation centers in the wake of a recent landslide in Itogon, Benguet.
“Inatasan ng ating Pangulo ‘yung HUDCC (Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council) na magkaroon ng mga evacuation, to build more evacuation centers,” he said in an interview.
In addition, he noted the Chief Executive instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide “emergency shelter assistance,” such as aid for housing repairs and a “cash forward” for those left jobless by Typhoon “Ompong” which left a trail of destruction in northern Luzon.
Massive landslides, as well as severe damage to road infrastructure and power lines were recorded. More than 60 dead and dozens missing were reported in the aftermath of the typhoon.
The highest number of casualties came from Itogon, Benguet, where about 50 persons are believed to have been buried in tons of soil during a landslide.
During the typhoon’s onslaught on Saturday afternoon, dozens of individuals sought refuge at an old building turned into a chapel in Barangay Ucab. The structure was obliterated when part of a mountain slope collapsed. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
