Catanduanes governor calls for help
Owing to the worst impact of Super Typhoon Pepito in the island province of Catanduanes, Governor Joseph Cua called on the government and the international organizations to help them back on its feet again as numerous families left homeless, without clean drinking water, and lack of food supply due to impassable roads.
Catanduanes suffered the brunt of Super Typhoon Pepito affecting badly the northern towns of Viga, Pandan, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Caramoran.
“Catanduanes needs help especially the northern municipalities like Viga, Pandan, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Caramoran. Maski masakit, mahinguha kita na magtindog. Kaipo niamo an tuwang nindo. Catanduanes needs your help,” Cua said.
(Even though it’s hard, we will try to stand up again. We need your help. Catanduanes needs your help.)
He said that Catandaunes attained the zero-casualty goal of the government despite the powerful onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito.
“The entire province of Catanduanes was heavily damaged and the towns of Bagamanoc, Pandan, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Caramoran, and other parts of Baras were severely damaged. There are still many non-passable areas, but clearing operations continue throughout the province,” he said.
He said that they need home repair materials like G.I. sheets, to rebuild the houses, food packs, clean water, hygiene kits and among others.
“We are also calling the electric cooperatives and telecommunications or telcos for power restoration teams’ augmentation and free calls and text booths. Our countrymen are waiting for your help. May God reward you all,” he said.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Catanduanes on Monday two days after the Super Typhoon Pepito walloped the island bringing with him 20,000 food packs.
Cua expressed gratitude to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for their immediate aid.
Prior to the delivery of DSWD food packs, the Angat Buhay Foundation of former Vice President Leni Robredo and his volunteers provided assistance to the people of Catanduanes, Cua said.
“One of the first to send aid to various areas in the province after Super Typhoon Pepito was the Angat Buhay foundation led by former Vice President Atty. Leni Robredo and their volunteers. Thank you very much for the immediate help, Angat Buhay!” Cua said.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo said that she was able to talk to governor Cua informing him regarding the mobilization of their volunteers.
“I spoke with Governor Joseph Cua of Catanduanes to inform him of our efforts to mobilize the volunteer network in the area. We are working closely with the San Andres Volunteer Network, led by Councilor Joal Cocjin, to provide hot meals and assess how we can best support the most affected municipalities in Catanduanes,” Robredo said.
“Our teams are actively deployed in Viga, Panganiban, and San Andres, delivering assistance where it is needed most. We are also coordinating with other volunteer organizations in neighboring municipalities to expand our reach. Communication in the area remains a challenge, but we are doing everything we can to provide timely support,” she said.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to our volunteers, who, despite being impacted by Pepito themselves, have selflessly stepped up to extend help and care to those in need. We call on our partners and friends to join us in extending much-needed support to the people of Catanduanes,” the former Vice President Leni Robredo said.
The neighboring mainland provinces of Bicol are also providing assistance to Catanduanes. Albay acting governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao said that the province will be sending a humanitarian team in Catanduanes anytime this week and give P1 million cash assistance.
“Albay will be deploying a humanitarian team and assist in the clearing operations. Our team includes medical doctors, nurses, psychologists, engineering personnel to be led by Engr. Dante Baclao. Anytime soon within this week. We will go to Catanduanes. I’ll be joining the group. We will also be giving P1 million financial assistance as oneness for Catanduanes, we look out for one another,” Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao said.
She said that the Provincial Government of Albay is extending its hand to the neighboring province of Catanduanes and donating 1 million pesos to through the initiative of Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay.
The PGA, through the efforts of the Provincial Health Office, will also deploy a Humanitarian Medical Mission consisting of a medical team of doctors, nurses, and counselors to provide medical and psychosocial support, she said.
“A water filtration machine and water lory will also be deployed to supply potable water to the affected residents of Catanduanes. The team will be headed by APSEMO OIC Engr. Dante Baclao, along with other departments of the PGA. In times of calamity, we look out for one another. Together, we are stronger,” she said.
Similarly, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon led by governor Edwin Hamor will also be sending aid to the province of Catanduanes.
Hamor said that the main aid that will be sent in Catanduanes is not food, but construction materials such as coco lumber, iron, and nails to help the residents quickly recover from the disaster.
“This coming Tuesday, the Tabang Sorsoganon team will head to the towns that were heavily affected by the typhoon—Viga and Panganiban, which are considered ground zero of the damage,” Hamor said.
Aside from the construction materials, the provincial government will also send a medical team made up of doctors and carrying medicines to conduct a medical mission for those in need of immediate medical services, he said. – BY RHAYDZ BARCIA