‘More than enough volunteers in Batanes’
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines — While they appreciate the concern of various organizations who want to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts in Itbayat, Batanes, which was hit by strong quakes last week, provincial officials said they could not accommodate additional volunteers.
Charmaine Gato, Batanes local government operations officer, cited depleting supplies of water and food as well as lack of space and sleeping tents for additional responders.
“We have been blessed with more than enough volunteers,” Gato said, adding that there are enough medical teams and other volunteers.
“But we welcome food packs and other non-food items... donations in cash or construction materials... People need to put up temporary but safe houses especially in view of the rainy season,” Gato said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said quake victims would receive shelter assistance.
Families whose houses were destroyed will get P30,000 in emergency shelter assistance and those whose houses were damaged will get P10,000.
At least 200 houses reportedly collapsed due to the magnitude 6.4 quake that struck the island. – Rainier Allan Ronda, Janvic Mateo
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