MANILA – Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade on Monday, Dec. 20, called for a stop to the “politicization” of efforts to aid those who were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
“Let us stop politicizing the aftermath of Odette. ‘Wag na nila ibandera kung sino ang naunang gumawa. Ang masasabi ko lang, maraming ginawa ang pamahalaan. Hindi dapat mamulitika. This is one time na dapat ay magsama-sama tayo. Tayo ay dapat gumawa,” Tugade said.
“Habang nagdadaldal ang marami, ang DOTr, gumagawa ng tahimik,” he added.
Tugade said the Duterte Administration and the DOTr, along with key government agencies, had been on top of the situation and had adopted pre-emptive measures even before Typhoon Odette made its landfall.
“Ang DOTr, kasama ang aming mga attached agencies, ay nagsagawa ng pre-emptive measures bago pa man humagupit ang Odette. Nandoon kami bago tumama, habang tumatama, at matapos tumama ang Odette sa Pilipinas,” Tugade said.
Tugade said the DOTr has placed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on alert for ready response to “Odette.”
According to Tugade, the PCG has already pre-positioned BRP Capones (4404) and BRP Cape Engano (4411)] in Palawan even before “Odette” hit the Philippines. Other PCG ships have also been pre-positioned in other parts of the country to render immediate assistance immediately following the landfall of “Odette.”
The Philippine Coast Guard has been tirelessly conducting relief and rescue operations in the province, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the respective provincial and local government units.
To recall, Tugade ordered the PCG, PPA, CAAP, and the Maritime Industry Authority to take pre-emptive measures in preparation of “Odette’s” landfall. Tugade likewise ordered the swift action of key DOTr agencies and facilities to render aid immediately following the aftermath of the typhoon.
Amid the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued a total of 1,032 affected residents and has evacuated almost 12,000 individuals in Northeastern Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Palawan.
On its report dated Dec. 20, 2021, the PCG said that it responded to 115 maritime incidents, 90 of which occurred in Central Visayas. The majority of these maritime incidents were vessels that ran aground, became half-submerge, and reported allision. Several watercrafts were also reported as missing.
The PCG is focused on efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations through relief transport operations and ferry missions.
“These initiatives are in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to utilize all available assets and resources of the national government for the speedy recovery and rehabilitation of the most affected regions in the country,” PCG Commandant Admiral Laroya said
Tugade also added that aside from the PCG’s rescue and relief missions to the areas devastated by “Odette,” stranded passengers at the various ports were also given care and attention by the MARINA and PPA.
According to Tugade, MARINA has now allowed domestic vessels to sail to prevent the stranding of passengers at ports and terminals and to assist in the delivery of relief goods to areas hit hard by “Odette.”
Tugade added that domestic shipowners were also requested by MARINA to prioritize the transport of needed relief goods to the typhoon-affected areas.
As for passengers who were left stranded at the affected ports, the PPA, headed by General Manager Jay Santiago, had been providing light meals, and are likewise ensuring that the safety and convenience of the stranded passengers are kept during their stay at the ports.
“As part of our standard operating procedures, especially during calamities, we, at PPA, make sure that stranded passengers are safe, comfortable, and are provided with the necessary amenities, including food and drinks, as directed by our Secretary, Art Tugade,” Santiago said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), led by Director General Jim Sydiongco, flew to Siargao, Surigao, Southern Leyte, and Mactan, all of which were all badly hit by “Odette”, to assess the extent of damage to immediately come up with the program of works as the basis for securing budget for airport repair works.
“This will be done in phases. Phase 1 is to secure, clean and make the affected airports operationally safe for the conduct of emergency evacuation, medical rescue, military, government, and sweeper flights. We need to be able to identify provisional pre-departure and holding areas, so that later on, we can make it partially operational to cater to passenger operations, and eventually, full airline flight operations,” DG Sydiongco said. (PR) – bny
