Catanduanes Provincial Capitol, Virac, Catanduanes
December 27, 2016

“I know that we have to be here during this time. Dala ko po ang mga tao na makakatulong sa inyo agad,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the ceremonial distribution of relief goods at the Catanduanes Provincial Capitol in Virac, Catanduanes.

The President introduced each of the Cabinet members that accompanied him and enumerated the aid they could provide: Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol to help ailing farmers whose livelihoods were destroyed by Typhoon Nina; National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the military to handle logistics and other services; Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones to expedite the rebuilding of school buildings damaged and destroyed by Typhoon Nina; Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi to ensure the speedy restoration of the region’s electricity to only two weeks; and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo to provide sufficient food, water and other necessities to those stricken by the disaster.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineer Elmer Redrico said that based on the initial assessment of the damages caused by Typhoon Nina, roads were estimated to cost PhP 125 million, national infrastructures including school buildings would cost PhP 150 million, and flood control/sea wall damages would cost PhP 100 million, totaling PhP 375 million.

According to the initial assessment of the Catanduanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), 90 percent of the total population in the province was affected by Typhoon Nina, and no casualties directly caused by the typhoon were found.

President Duterte was accompanied in the event by Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, Vice Governor Shirley Abundo, and District Representative Cesar Sarmiento.

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