President Rodrigo Roa Duterte named Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista as crisis manager on Monday (Dec.20) and to be assisted by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad in the continuous relief operations in Typhoon Odette-hit Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands to ensure fast delivery of help to the affected areas.
In a statement, Acting Presidential Spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that President Duterte designated DSWD Sec. Bautista and NDRRMC USec. Jalad to facilitate the stable distribution and transport of relief items and implement food-for-work and cash-for-work programs to aid the typhoon victims.
“President Duterte gave directives to Sec. Bautista and USec. Jalad to facilitate delivery of food and non-food items to affected areas, ensure immediate and stable delivery of food supply and water, deliver tents and tarpaulins within 24 hours, and implement food-for-work and cash-for-work programs to aid typhoon victims, as necessary,” Nograles said.
The President visited Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Maasin City in Southern Leyte on Sunday (Dec.19) to personally assess the damage caused by typhoon Odette.
President Duterte also directed the use of all government resources to ensure the immediate delivery of goods and services as soon as possible. He also instructed the Department of Energy to work double time in restoring electricity in the affected areas.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Nograles assured the public the continuous efforts of the government to help the affected people and encouraged the public to remain united to help one another.
“As we continue to fully assess the damage brought by typhoon Odette to our people’s livelihood, property, and local economy, let us remain united in the midst of adversity to help one another and exemplify the Filipino bayanihan spirit,” he said. -Report from Naomi Tiburcio/CC-rir
