DILG cites Batangas official for 'Ondoy,' 'Pepeng' disaster effort

BATANGAS CITY , Philippines  – The Batangas Provincial Coordinating Council here has been cited by the Department of Interior and Local Government for its immediate and effective response to help tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng victims.

The BPCC, headed by acting Gov. Marc Leviste, was commended for his prompt and efficient activation of the disaster response teams even before Ondoy hit Luzon. It remained activated before the landfall of typhoon Pepeng.

The move resulted in zero casualties in the province during Pepeng, the DILG said.

“We learned a lot from our experiences during typhoon Ondoy. That’s why we were more prepared and alert even before the arrival of typhoon Pepeng,” Leviste said.

Leviste, who took over Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto who is on official leave, said they focused on the 4R formula on disaster management which includes rescue to relief operations, relief to rehabilitation efforts, and rehabilitation to readiness program.

He said that he was updating Santos-Recto on the operations, safety of Batangueños, and damages caused by the typhoons.

DILG Director Ariel Iglesia said the Batangas provincial government’s efficient planning and immediate response should be an example for other local government units to follow.

“As soon as we feel confident and secured that we can take care of our own kababayan and manage our own area of responsibility, we can mobilize teams to assist and support other local government units outside Batangas. We are open to lending our resources to those who need it the most,” Leviste said.

He said people whose homes were destroyed by the typhoons would be relocated soon to areas designated by the provincial government.  – Ed Amoroso