TURNOVER. Officials of the Office of Civil Defense and the provincial government of Batanes pose for a photo opportunity during the turnover of non-food supplies worth PHP8 million at the Batanes State College on May 21, 2024. The OCD on Thursday (May 23) said the donation would support disaster risk reduction and management operations in the province. (Photo courtesy of OCD)
MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday announced it has turned over some PHP8 million worth of non-food items to the provincial government of Batanes.
Governor Marilou Cayco received the donation from OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno in simple rites at the Batanes State College in Basco town on Tuesday, the agency said in a news release.
The non-food items include family packs, shelter repair kits, hygiene kits, ropes and generator sets which can help some 400 families.
Nepomuceno said the donation is in support of the disaster risk reduction and management operations in the province.
“We are now preparing for the rainy season and La Niña. Batanes is prone to strong typhoons and is always isolated. The key is pre-positioning adequate relief goods and equipment so these will be available immediately when they need them," he added.
The OCD also cited the need to empower local government units, which are the frontlines during emergency situations, by enhancing their capabilities such as augmentation of essential supplies. (PNA)
