MMDA sends rehab team to Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has sent a 26-strong rehabilitation team to Sulat, Eastern Samar which has been hit by typhoon 'Ruby.'

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said Sulat, Eastern Samar was adopted by the agency for rehabilitation as part the "Adopt an LGU (local government unit)" program of the Metro Manila Council. The program was launched last year as part of the recovery effort for areas hit by supertyphoon 'Yolanda.'

Tolentino said the 26 deployed MMDA carpenters and electricians will help the local government of Sulat repair public markets, houses and clear the streets of debris.

"They will do clearing of roads, carpentry, if they need to repair the wet markets as well what the mayor of Sulat will ask," Tolentino said.

The deployed MMDA team also brought with them various tools and equipment including a hook lift, bolt cutters, generators, a water treatment machine, chainsaws, motorcycles and bicycles.

Tolentino said the MMDA team which left on Wednesday evening will stay in Sulat for six days.

Tolentino added that the MMDA personnel also brought with them 500 packs of relief goods for the affected families.

Last January, the MMDA donated 30 motor bancas to Sulat. Each of the bancas, made of marine plywood, is equipped with a motor, lamps and fishing nets.