RDRRMC-Reg. 8 team off for relief ops in Mindanao

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines  — A team from the Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is set to leave on December 26 for augmentation of relief operations in the Pablo-hit areas in Mindanao.

Office of Civil Defense-Region 8 director Rey Gozon, during the December 21 special meeting of the RDRRMC Technical Working Group said the team from Eastern Visayas will go to Region 11 particularly in the thirteen towns which were severely affected by typhoon Pablo.

Gozon said these towns are New Bataan, Compostela, Pantukan, Montevista, Mawab, Maco, Laak, Mabini, Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga and Boston.

The team is composed of response personnel from the various disaster response and relief committees of national government agencies and local government units, including the private sector partners.

Trucks from the DPWH, the AFP and the PNP will be utilized to carry the relief goods to the relief operation areas, Director Gozon said as he underscored that the humanitarian mission is an inter-agency convergence.

The Philippine Coast Guard will coordinate with the RDRRMC Secretariat on the number of vehicles that will be used during the relief operations so that arrangements could be made for the barge services.

The Philippine Information Agency was tasked to call for donations from the local government units and the public through the Infoboard or Text Blast.

In the spirit of Christmas and in solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Mindanao who were adversely affected by the latest calamity, said RDRRMC believing that many will answer the call.

Meanwhile, the various donors are enjoined by Gozon to bring their relief goods or cash to OCD-8 office. Donations in kind will be deposited at the Caboboy Hall of Camp Ruperto Kangleon of the Police Regional Office-8. (FREEMAN)