MANILA, Philippines — In anticipation of the La Niña phenomenon, the provincial government of Batanes received non-food items amounting to more than P8 million from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday.
The items included seven generator sets, which will allow local executives to continue working even during calamities.
“We are preparing for the rainy season and La Niña. Batanes is prone to strong typhoons and is always isolated. Pre-positioning relief goods and equipment for immediate availability when the need arises is a must,” OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said.
“Local government units are at the frontline during emergencies. They are the first to help. That is why we need to empower them by enhancing their capabilities,” he added.
Aside from generator sets, the provincial government as well as local government units each received family packs, shelter repair kits, hygiene kits and ropes for more than 400 families.
Gov. Marilou Cayco received the donation during a turnover ceremony led by Nepomuceno at the Batanes State College.
During the event, Nepomuceno was joined by OCD deputy administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OCD-Cagayan Valley chief Leon DG Rafael and OCD central director Jekeeren Joy Casipit.
Municipal mayors also met with OCD officials to discuss matters pertaining to disaster risk reduction and management in their jurisdictions.