PRRD had ‘productive’ visit in quake-hit Batanes

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with military officials upon his arrival at the Basco Airport on July 28, 2019 as he holds a situation briefing with members of his cabinet and local government officials to discuss disaster response measures in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Batanes. ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a “productive visit” to the earthquake-hit province of Batanes on Sunday (July 28), Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte’s visit began with an aerial inspection of affected areas in Itbayat town, where he personally saw the extent of the natural disaster’s damage.

“The President also gave three marching orders, the first is to ensure that supply lines in the province are working so residents do not get hungry,” Panelo said.

Duterte ordered the release of PHP40 million for the construction of a new hospital in Itbayat.

Defense Secretary Lorenzana and Transportation Secretary Tugade were directed to extend the runways of the airports in Basco and Itbayat.

The President also asked the Coast Guard to patrol Batanes islands to ensure that “those islands will remain ours”.

On the same day, the President also provided cash assistance to the families of those who perished and were injured in the natural tragedy.

Reports showed that nine people were killed, 63 were injured, while 911 families or 2,963 individuals were evacuated to the town plaza after the series of earthquakes on Saturday (July 28).