MMDA sends 16 more men to help rehabilitate 'Ruby'-hit town

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday sent 16 more personnel to help in the rehabilitation of Sulat, Eastern Samar that was hit by typhoon "Ruby" (international name Hagupit).

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the team would be staying in Sulat for six days.

"Hindi ko pa masabi kung ilan pa 'yung ire-repair. But definitely magsesend pa kami ng mga tao next year para ayusin 'yung mga bahay na nasira," he said.

Last December 10, the MMDA sent a 26-strong rehabilitation team to Sulat which was adopted by the agency for rehabilitation as part the "Adopt An LGU (local government unit)" program of the Metro Manila Council (MMC).

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.