Pablo' damages1.1M fruit crops and livestock in Camiguin

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Tropical cyclone Pablo (BOPHA) left P1.1M worth of damages to fruit crops and livestock, as it passes the island yesterday.

Partial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) recorded around P800,000 worth of fruit crops, reportedly ravaged by strong winds and heavy downpour of rain, which started to affect the island as early as Monday, December 3. 

Around P300,000 worth of livestock and poultry animals were reportedly damaged. 

Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO) Felicisimo M. Gomez noted that the figures however are still partial while the assessment is still on-going. 

As of this report there were no reported damage on infrastructure and communication facilities, including roads and bridges. 

The disaster report likewise showed some 1,552 persons or 360 families temporarily displaced, including those who gather and seek shelter at the designated evacuation centers during prolonged rainfall. 

Meanwhile, Typhoon Pablo has now weakened as it continues to move towards Northern Palawan. 

It is expected to be at the 440 km Northwest of Puerto Princesa City by tomorrow morning and by Friday morning it will be near West of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro. (PIA 10) 

Local disaster councils conducts damage and needs assessment

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is currently undertaking damage and needs assessment (DANA) after typhoon Pablo hit some parts of the region yesterday. 

Three teams were dispatched in the province and one in Maguindanao to determine the extent of effect of the typhoon in the areas. 

Initial reports from the RDRRMC said typhoon Pablo brought heavy rains and strong winds in the province, causing electricity shutdown and flooding in Bubong, Ramain, Mulondo, and Taraka. 

Two bridges located in the towns of Malabang and Kapai were also destroyed by the floods. 

The Narciso Ramos Highway (Kapatagan-Balabagan-Malabang road) and the road network going to Butig town were not passable due to flooding. 

Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. with the members of the provincial DRRMC is also conducting an on-site inspection in the affected municipalities. 

The provincial government likewise dispatched trucks to help in the evacuation. 

Adiong also issued an order for doctors and mobile clinic to go around the municipalities and check on the affected families. (APB/PIA-10)

ERRCM donates equipment and supplies to Lanao Norte

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Dec. 5 -- The Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central Mindanao (ERRCM) donated supplies and equipment to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) last November 26, to enable the provincial government of Lanao del Norte to respond faster and more effectively to natural and man-made disasters. 

The turn-over ceremony was held at the PDRRMC office at the Provincial Capitol Building, Pigcarangan, in the capital town of Tubod. 

Among the equipment given were two units of Global Positioning System (GPS), an aneroid sphygmomanometer, megaphones, a plug-in-type battery charger, and modular tents. 

ERRCM also donated toiletries, pails, blankets, kitchen utensils, a single burner gas stove, first aid kits, and garden tools. 

“To support Lanao del Norte’s initiatives in responding to disasters, ERRCM donates these equipment and supplies with the hope that these will make the jobs of our local rescuers easier and safer so that ultimately we can contribute to the development of Mindanao and help preserve the peace in this region,” said ERRCM Project Coordinator Cynthia Guerra. 

According to Guerra, more than P42 million worth of assistance was given to this fast-rising province for this year alone. 

“In behalf of Governor Khalid Dimaporo, I would like to thank ERRCM for donating these equipment and supplies so we can be more prepared in helping our people in times of calamities and emergencies. ERRCM has always been there for us, not only during relief operations but also during recovery activities. They are there to help build shelters for the affected families and provide livelihood assistance to calamity victims”, with us and providing livelihood to our people”, expressed Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza. (LAR & VNL/PIO-LDN/PIA10)

Soldiers conduct medical, dental mission in Kinoguitan

58th INFANTRY BATTALION, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Dec. 5 -- Soldiers and the local government unit of Poblacion, Kinoguitan delivered an early Christmas gift to the populace, last Thursday. 

The 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel George L. Banzon INF (GSC) Philippine Army and Civil Military Operations (CMO) Task Unit 3 headed by 1Lt. Joseph S. Sabas (INF) PA initiated the activity. 

The activity also participated in with the LGU of Kinoguitan headed by municipal mayor Danilo A. Lagbas Jr, all barangay captains and Municipal Health Office (MHO). 

The mission was also participated in by Congressman Peter “Sr San Pedro” Unabia of 1st district Misamis Oriental, Vice Governor of Misamis Oriental Norris B. Babiera and provincial board members. 

The activity is part of the Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division under the concept of Internal Peace and Security (IPSP) Bayanihan of Philippine Army. 

Under the IPSP, the government gives more emphasis on development in rebel-affected areas. The goal is winning the peace rather than simply defeating the enemy, said Lt. Col. Banzon. 

In support to Bayanihan, the Army has adopted the non-traditional approach in ending the country’s decades-old insurgency, recognizing that insurgency cannot be solved through military action alone, but more importantly through peace and development initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders of society. (5IB/4ID/PA/PIA10)