TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas is stepping up its disaster response and recovery efforts in the Bicol region through its personnel deployed after the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Brig. Gen. Perfecto Peñaredondo, acting commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said their troops transported 1,400 food packs, 1,400 boxes of drinking water, and 1,000 boxes of biscuits loaded in three trucks to flood-hit villages in Minalabac, Camarines Sur.
Five water craft delivered 209 food packs to Bagongbong village in the same town.
The Army from Leyte and Samar provinces also delivered 180 jugs of drinking water to Ilaur Sur village in Oas, Albay, and transported additional water and essential items from the Bicol International Airport to local warehouses.
“We reaffirm our dedication to relief efforts. We stand with our communities in these challenging times, working hand in hand with local governments to deliver essential support,” Peñaredondo said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that at least 20 soldiers from Eastern Visayas are working with local government units in Camarines Sur to distribute relief supplies.
Meanwhile, to aid communication for affected residents, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, with the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, established a free Wi-Fi hub at Legazpi City’s Old Airport.
Peñaredondo said they have been in close coordination with partner agencies and local officials to ensure assistance reaches those most affected by Kristine. (PNA)