PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. ordered the swift distribution of relief aid, restoration of power and communications and other utilities in Abra after it was devastated by a strong earthquake earlier this week.
He gave the instructions as he visited Abra on Thursday to inspect the damage caused by the earthquake and to oversee the government response in the affected areas.
“So we do what we usually do. Work together with the local government so that we can make sure all of those who are in need will be given aid,” Marcos said during a situation briefing in Bangued, Abra.
Marcos asked for updates on efforts to bring back power and communication lines in the quake-hit province, since he said both will be crucial to reach out to effectively extend aid to affected communities.
“Of course, that’s going to be key—for our relief efforts, in everything we do, we have to be able to communicate and we have to be able to operate,” Marcos said.
He also directed officials to hasten repairs of damaged water systems, on learning that clean water access was a problem.
As of Thursday morning, some parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Ilocos Region still have power and communication disruptions due to the damage caused by the earthquake.
The 7-magnitude earthquake, which hit Abra last Wednesday, damaged numerous infrastructures and displaced thousands of families.
As of Thursday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 19,133 families, or 77,614 individuals, were affected by the earthquake in CAR alone.
Of these families, 1,198 are staying in evacuation centers due to their damaged homes.
Marcos led the distribution of relief goods to some affected families during his visit.
He called on the concerned local government units and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track the inspection of the damaged structures to determine if its residents could return home.
“We have to determine that it’s safe,” Marcos said.