PRRD allocates P2-B for rehab of quake-affected Surigao
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte– Speaking before a crowd of devastated but hopeful earthquake victims during his personal visit in this city on Sunday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) disclosed that the national government has favorably allocated around P2 billion for the rehabilitation of Surigao del Norte province, which was hit by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday evening, Feb. 10.
It may be recalled that the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod has declared the city under a state of calamity on Saturday after a power blackout, water scarcity, and major damages in buildings and lifelines were noted.
Included in the immediate rescue and clearing operation is the collapsed Anao-aon bridge in the municipality of San Francisco, under the provincial road of Surigao del Norte which is totally closed to traffic. Hence, new construction of 165.0 linear meter bridge is recommended with an estimated amount of P115M.
Based on the assessment of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the cost of damage of the Surigao State College of Technology has reached to P150M; provincial capitol buildings and other infrastructures – P63M; ports (Lipata Ferry Terminal and Surigao port) facilities damage- P161.5M; national roads damage -P208.2M. These total to P582.7M.
Accordingly, the immediate needs are the full restoration of critical infrastructure and lifelines, construction materials for damaged housing and relocation, emergency work for displaced workers, financial help to severely injured.
Meanwhile, the President conveyed his words of encouragement to the Surigaonons. PRRD said that he only intended to deliver what is beneficial and best for his countrymen. “The different national line agencies are our allies in pushing for good reforms in governance,” he said. He also assured that he would not allow any corrupt practices in doing public service.
PRRD said how sorry he was for the unfavorable experiences they have undergone as a result of the strong tremor of the quake. However, he is thankful that nothing more fatal has happened as compared to the typhoon Yolanda incident.
“Life has always its ups and downs. There is always a time for joy and at times mourning,” PRRD said. He also expressed his sincerest condolences to the bereaved families of those who died when the calamity has stricken.
Per record from the Surigao del Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRM), there are 157 families affected in the municipality of Sison, six in Malimono, 36 in Mainit, 31 in San Francisco which totals to 230 families.
Meanwhile, the victims eagerly and patiently queued to avail their share of relief goods to help alleviate their daily needs. Around 3,500 relief packs containing six kilos rice, six liters of water, coffee and assorted canned goods were distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.
PRRD arrived at the city gymnasium at 1:17 p.m. He was accompanied by PCOO secretary Martin Andanar and welcomed by Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas, Surigao City mayor Ernesto Matugas, Surigao del Norte representatives Francisco Jose Matugas and Robert Ace Barbers and other local officials. (Venus L. Garcia/PIA-Caraga)
