PBBM visits Abra leads distribution of relief goods

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the distribution of relief goods to victims of the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Abra on Wednesday.

During his visit to Abra province, Marcos handed over relief packs after meeting with local executives who apprised him on the extent of the damage of the quake.

He was also briefed on the immediate needs of victims in Abra and nearby areas.

“’Yung mga nasa evacuation center, tiniyak natin, tinitiyak natin ni Secretary [Erwin] Tulfo na lahat ng pangangailangan ninyo habang kayo ay nandito pa sa evacuation center ay meron kayong maibigay –– mga pagkain, mga kung ano man ang mga kailangan pa ninyo (Those who are in evacuation centers, I and Secretary Tulfo made sure that all your needs while you are here are provided -- food or whatever),” the President said in his remarks at the Bangued Plaza in Abra, where modular tents were set up for the victims.

“’Yun ang aming tinitiyak, ‘yun ang aming pinagaabalahan na makasiguro tayo na… Eh natamaan na nga kayo ng lindol, hindi na kayo dagdagan pa ang inyong kahirapan (That is what we assure, that is what we are working on, to ensure we provide what you need. .),” he added.

After distributing relief goods, the chief executive expressed gratitude to his supporters in the province.

“Maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo. Maraming salamat sa suporta ninyo. Ngayon ako naman ang tutulong sa inyo at magsusuporta sa inyo (Thank you very much for your help and support. Now it’s my turn to help and support you),” Marcos said.

During his visit, Marcos also visited the Abra Provincial Hospital to personally check the condition of patients hurt by the strong tremor.

The President also presided over the briefing on the effects of the earthquake at Camp Juan Villamor, Police Provincial Office.

“Nagpa-report kami sa mga iba’t ibang departamento, para makita, para mabuksan ang ating mga kalsada, mabalik na ang kuryente, (We tasked various departments to report, so we can be apprised, so we can open closed routes and restore power)” the President said.

Marcos also conducted an aerial inspection of the damaged areas in the province.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northwestern Luzon and adjacent areas Wednesday, with its epicenter located at Tayum, Abra.

A total of 798 aftershocks have been recorded with magnitudes that range from 1.5 to 5.4, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (PND)