LAOAG CITY —The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) distributed to northern towns of Ilocos Norte, which are projected to be the hardest-hit by Typhoon “Ompong”, a total of 2,008 relief packs containing rice and canned goods Wednesday night.
Another 3,522 have been repacked and are ready for distribution, while still more are to be repacked Thursday. Members and volunteers of the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA) have been assisting in repacking the goods.
After an emergency meeting held Thursday at the Provincial Capitol, a team from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed north to provide augmentation of relief goods and to remind all concerned individuals to stay vigilant at all times.
Even with relief and rescue apparatus ready, Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos has encouraged residents to take the initiative for home repairs, securing of their properties, and clearing of farmlands in order to minimize losses at the onset of the typhoon.
Meanwhile, a request for additional relief goods, including rice, blankets, and satellite phones, has been forwarded to the Office of Civil Defense – Regional Office I (OCD-RO1), which oversees all DRRMC offices.
Based on the latest report of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services and Administration (Pagasa), “Ompong” continues to threaten Northern Luzon.
As of 2:00 p.m., the northern parts of Ilocos Norte is experiencing light winds on overcast sky while the eastern part is experiencing extremely hot temperature.
Since last night, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils in the entire province, as well as village officials and other volunteers, helped in the repacking of relief goods while monitoring the incoming weather disturbance. ( Leilanie Adriano/PNA)