Balai Bulwagan, Provincial Capitol Guest House, Ilagan City, Isabela
September 18, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterated that disaster preparedness plays a big role in minimizing damages in times of disaster as he presided over a situation briefing at the Provincial Capitol Guest House in Ilagan City, Isabela.

In his message, President Duterte congratulated the local officials of Isabela on their readiness and resilience during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong. He emphasized that there should be a prepositioning of basic needs of the people.

“Pumunta ako dito to congratulate the officials, the governor, and everybody of you who are ready to face the onslaught,” he said.

On the issue of mining, President Duterte said that the constitution allows mining but the industry’s operations affect the forested areas that could contribute to landslides and flashfloods when a disaster strikes the country.

Present during the situation briefing were members of the Cabinet, including Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, local government officials of Isabela and high ranking members of the police and the military.