Myanmar head brings aid to Bantayan Island

CEBU, Philippines - Myanmar President Thein Sein is expected to bring with him two tons of medicines and medical equipment worth 14 million Kyats (P624,000) as he visits typhoon-stricken Bantayan Island in Cebu today.

The medicine and medical equipment would be transported to the Special Medical Team based in Bogo City while the relief goods will be turned over to the local government units.

The medical equipment includes five sphygmomanometer, 10 sthethoscope, one set of minor surgical set, two ECG machines and two glucometer with strips.

At least 143 kinds of medicine which include injectables, antibiotics, liquids, powder, ordinance and dressing, tablets, and instruments.   

Lawyer Ramil Abing, the chief of staff of Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, said he will be receiving the donations today at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Myanmar President Special Charter Flight is set to land MCIA at 9:00 a.m. today.

Philippine Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala is joining the Myanmar President from Manila.

Welcome party at the MCIA includes Gov. Davide, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza and daughter, lone district Rep. Aileen Radaza, airport general manager Nigel Paul Villarete; Major Gen. Romeo Poquiz of the 2nd Air Division, Philippine Air Force, and Police Regional Office-7 Director Danilo Constantino.

From MCIA, President Thein and party will fly on a private plane to Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.

They will be welcomed by Mayor Jose Esgana of Santa Fe, Mayor Ian Christopher Escario of Bantayan and Mayor Salvador dela Fuente of Madridejos.

A briefing with President Thein will be held at the Santa Fe airport on the extent of damages brought by typhoon Yolanda.

Among the badly affected livelihoods in Bantayan Island is the egg industry as all poultry farms were wiped out by the typhoon.

Considered the "egg basket" in the Visayas, Bantayan Island produces more than 100 tons of eggs or 1.6 million eggs per day. (FREEMAN)