Basey Municipality, Western Samar
19 November 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Western Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Basey Municipal Mayor Igmedio Junjie Ponferrada together with local officials in a closed-door briefing at the Basey Town Hall, Western Samar.

In their meeting, President Aquino discussed with the local officials of Basey about PAGASA’s storm warning signals and how to anticipate them especially the storm surges.

The President also discussed rehabilitation plans for the local government, such as putting up a tent city to serve as a temporary resettlement area for residents whose houses have been damaged. He also ordered the local officials to identify permanent relocation sites for barangays residing in hazard-prone areas in order to avoid similar incidents from happening.

During the relief distribution, President Aquino announced that he will have Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala coordinate with the local farmers regarding seedling distribution needed for next month’s planting season.

After his visit, President Aquino left for Ormoc onboard the Presidential chopper.

The Municipality of Basey is one of the most severely damaged municipalities residing near the coastline. Out of 29 barangays, 23 barangays have been severely affected with Barangay Poblacion completely washed out when three massive storm surges slammed the municipality.

Basey had recorded 7,875 affected families, 224 dead and 310 injured. Distribution of relief goods in the area is ongoing since Wednesday.

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