President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is set to fly to Abra after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the province on Wednesday morning.
At a news conference, Press Secretary Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles disclosed Marcos wants to personally check the impact of the quake in the said province.
“He will immediately fly to the area as soon as the all clear is given,” Angeles said.
She added Marcos might also visit other areas, which were devastated by the strong quake.
“He will go to all those areas where it is necessary, that his presence will be necessary,” Angeles said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded the epicenter of the tectonic quake, which occurred at 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday, in Tayum, Abra.
It damaged several structures and roads in the province, and was felt in several parts of Luzon, including the National Capital Region.
Angeles said Marcos ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) the immediate deployment of rescue and relief assistance in the province.
“Right now he is focused on disaster relief and response. We are just getting feedback about the extent of the damage in certain areas. So the President will put this as his priority, and most likely might cancel certain appointments,” Angeles said.
The President also appealed to the telecommunication firms to ensure communication channels will remain operational in quake-hit areas.
He may also order for the release of additional funds in the affected areas if there will be a need for it, according to Angeles.