PNoy will spend his birthday in Dumaguete City, inspect damage by 6.9 Earthquake

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:On the President’s trip to Dumaguete on his birthday tomorrow

[Released on February 7, 2012]

In keeping with the values of servant leadership espoused by his family, President Aquino will spend his birthday tomorrow in Dumaguete City, one of the areas most affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the Visayas yesterday.

He will inspect damaged areas and meet with our countrymen affected by the calamity, as well as with the government workers who are providing much needed relief operations on the ground.

President Aquino has been keeping abreast of the situation since the earthquake struck yesterday morning. Agencies and departments are implementing his instructions concerning the disaster relief and information-dissemination operations. Two helicopters have been sent by the East Mindanao Command; another two helicopters have been sent by the West Mindanao Command; the Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched one helicopter and one islander aircraft, as well as two Coast Guard vessels which have joined a Philippine Navy vessel delivering provisions by sea to affected areas.

The DSWD Region 7 office has provided 2,000 family packs, 2,000 bottles of mineral water, boxes of canned goods, tents, mats, blankets and mosquito nets to Negros Oriental. The President is in touch with Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong of the 1^st District of Negros Oriental concerning four cities and municipalities in her district badly hit by the recent earthquake: Guihulngan City, the municipalities of La Libertad, Tayasan, and Jimalalud. Rep. Limkaichong has arranged for the delivery of 400 bags of rice from the NFA for residents. We encourage private citizens to assist by means of donations in the form of food, water, and clothing in aid of these areas. Adonation desk is set up at the DSWD Field Office VII located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City. Its hotline number is (032) 232-1192.

The President continues to appeal for citizens to cooperate with the authorities, and to keep in mind that public safety must be kept the highest priority. This is an unusual situation which calls for the utmost responsibility, particularly in disseminating information. It does no one any good to sensationalize the situation.