PGMA orders rehab in Siargao Island

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed officials of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in Caraga region to start immediately the rehabilitation of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and other areas in the region that were hit by heavy flooding last Saturday brought about by the typhoon Auring.

The order was made after Siargao has been placed under a state of calamity due to flash floods causing the damage of the island's agriculture and livestock.

The President issued the directive during the meeting with the RDCCs of Regions 10 and 13 which she convened Wednesday evening (January 7) at the Camiguin Highland Resort, Barangay Soro-Soro, in Mambajao, Camiguin.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here said hundreds of families in the towns of Sta. Monica and San Benito were greatly affected by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, DSWD assured of an ongoing relief operation and that their office is exerting all efforts in ensuring that all affected families will be given appropriate assistance.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution declaring the island of Siargao under state of calamity.

The declaration was agreed upon after Board Member Simeon Vicente Castrence sponsored a resolution declaring the island under the state of calamity. The resolution was unanimously approved. All of the members of the legislative body are present except for Vice Gov. Noel Catre who served as the then Acting Governor and Board Member Jose Alabat who is in Siargao to personally assess the situation. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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