Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the Ilokano community of immediate assistance as he met with Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc earlier today for a situational briefing following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that hit the province last night.
“I already instructed our social welfare officer na mag-payout this afternoon. May naka standby naman kami na ₱ 20 million cash at 10,000 na food packs para sa Ilocos Norte so we are ready, we are prepared,” Sec. Tulfo said.
According to the initial assessment report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Gov. Marcos Manotoc, 55 houses were partially damaged by the earthquake while one (1) was totally damaged. The owners of these houses will receive their cash payout this afternoon the Secretary said.
Meanwhile, 36 people sustained slight injuries. Two (2) who were seriously injured and are currently confined at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital were visited by Sec. Tulfo and Gov. Marcos Manotoc to extend assistance.
Both teams of DSWD and PDRRMC will also head to certain areas in Pagudpud and Adams to monitor the situation of communities affected by the recent onslaught of Typhoon “Neneng” and Tropical Depression “Obet.”
Furthermore, Gov. Marcos Manotoc urged another state of calamity declaration by the Provincial Board, this time due to the recent earthquake:
“I asked the Sangguniang Panlalwigan to also declare another state of calamity para lang clear kasi ibang calamity na ‘to even though we are still in a state of calamity from ‘Neneng’ and ‘Obet.’ Pero kailangan klaro na itong state of calamity ay dahil po sa earthquake,” he remarked.
“Mag-ingat tayo. Take the necessary precautions and secure our loved ones, lives, and properties. The basic earthquake drill, make sure we are all well-aware in case of aftershocks,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc continued.
Later today, the DWSD team will head to Abra province, the epicenter of the earthquake. (Edison Justin B. Deus)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Communications & Media Office)