(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte ordered immediate relief operations in the towns in Batangas which were devastated by the series of quakes that continue to shake the province, saying it was important to “restore normalcy in the affected areas as soon as possible.”
While there had been no reported deaths in Batangas, the President said that Filipinos should still continue to be vigilant and be always prepared for disasters.
“Rest assured, our government is on top of the situation. I have personally ordered that relief operations be undertaken immediately to restore normalcy in the affected areas as soon as possible,” he said in his speech before he left for the Middle East.
He also directed the national agencies to accelerate the delivery of services and hasten the rehabilitation of the affected public infrastructure and utilities while the assessment of damages by the provincial government in Batangas is ongoing.
“The concerned citizens of government have immediately responded to give relief and ease the suffering of the affected residents by conducting evacuation, clearing of landslides along roads, and dispatching of ready-to-eat foods,” he said.
Mr. Duterte also thanked the national and local agencies who participated in relief efforts for the victims of the recent earthquake in Batangas.