Key officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense gathered today to discuss transport strategies for delivering essential goods to areas severely affected by Typhoon Pepito and previous storms. Among those present were OCD Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OCD Asec. Cesar Idio, and OCD Director Agnes Palacio.
The meeting focused on overcoming transport constraints to ensure timely aid distribution to impacted communities. Two primary transport strategies were proposed: the first involves utilizing 82 trucks for land and sea transport, while the second option suggests air transport via planes. Roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels will also be deployed to distribute relief items immediately.
Director Agnes emphasized the transition of responsibilities within the NDRRMC. “We have recommended deactivating the Incident Command Center (IACC). It will be reactivated as needed. I will facilitate the handover to the response cluster head, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This transition is crucial as we coordinate responses to the effects of consecutive cyclones,” she stated.
Asec. Idio highlighted the importance of understanding the full impact of the disasters, saying, “We are studying the impact, including the economic damages, of the disasters, so we can understand the situation carefully and issue timely responses. Our guide framework includes assessing how many people have lost their properties, evaluating the state of our infrastructure, and determining the condition of our evacuation centers. Once we gather this data, we validate it with our partner agencies.”
He continued, “It is also vital to comprehend the humanitarian situation. We have witnessed the effectiveness of preemptive evacuations and the issuance of early warnings. We are committed to regularly disseminating information to the public, from national to local. Our teams could deploy rescuers and local authorities ahead of Typhoon Pepito to the affected areas, ensuring that help was available on the ground when needed most.”
The national government provides shelter repair kits and construction materials to affected families. As schools serve as evacuation centers, prolonged closures could disrupt students’ education. Immediate distribution of construction materials will enable families to rebuild their homes, allowing schools to reopen.
During the discussions, Asec. Idio stressed the need to prioritize relief items and transportation vehicles to Tabaco, ensuring swift aid delivery.
Director Palacio presented the Consolidated Rapid Assessment Report for Typhoon Pepito, highlighting the urgent need for shelter repair kits, hygiene kits, drinking water, food, charging stations, and power in the affected provinces. There was a strong emphasis on water sanitation and hygiene, with the reminder that “needs should translate into response.”
The meeting also addressed specific humanitarian assistance required by regions affected by the typhoons:
– Region V: Eleven out of sixteen municipalities in Catanduanes have been severely impacted, with thousands still in evacuation centers. Camarines Norte is coordinating with local government units for necessary aid, while over 13,000 families remain in evacuation centers in Camarines Sur.
Region II: Cagayan is sheltering over 4,472 families across 314 evacuation centers, and significant flooding has been reported in several municipalities.
In response to these challenges, the logistics plan has mobilized assets, including C-130 and C-295 aircraft and S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, to enhance relief operations.
Asec. Idio concluded, “All branches of our government are united in strengthening our actions and responses from the national to the local level. A safe community is a prepared community. Every second counts in our efforts to confront the threats we face. Let us work together for the safety of all.”
