Wazzup Pilipinas!
As Typhoon Ompong swept through Northern Luzon, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade directed all DOTr sectoral offices and attached agencies to exert their best efforts to mitigate risks and respond to areas and people affected by Typhoon Ompong by maintaining an efficient line of communication, coordination, and upholding the spirit of “bayanihan.”
Secretary Arthur Tugade has continuously assured the public that the DOTr and its attached agencies are properly coordinated and ready to offer its services, saying the DOTr is at everyone’s disposal.
In a meeting with both national and local government agencies in Tuguegarao, the transportation chief stressed the vital role of communications in times of disasters.
“Kung may pre-emptive evacuation, dapat may pre-emptive information din. In that way, the public will know what is happening around them in real time. We need not only inform the public— we need to over-inform them through all platforms of media. Ito ang patakaran ko sa DOTr,” Sec. Tugade said.
Upon Secretary Tugade’s instructions, all communications platforms of the DOTr, as well as those of its attached agencies, were fully-utilized to share real-time and relevant information on the affected areas of the typhoon, such as trip advisories and condition of various transportation hubs.
Before the typhoon made landfall in Cagayan this morning, Secretary Tugade visited several evacuation centers in the area and met with local officials to ensure that disaster preparedness and response measures are in place.
Passenger and cargo vessel trips were cancelled in various ports of the country due to rough seas and heavy winds. Passengers affected by trip cancellations were properly accommodated.
In Negros Oriental and Siquijor, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) served hot Lomi and gave away hygiene kits, while those stuck in Dumaguete City were offered with free film showing and hot meals.
Employees from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 4-B personally distributed pansit and other cooked meals to stranded motorists.
Meanwhile, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport set up medical assistance stations at Terminals 1 and 2 to assist passengers with immediate medical needs in anticipation of diverted flights and stranded passengers.
Among all inspected facilities, the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Tuguegarao Airport was the worst-hit and extensively damaged by the typhoon. Secretary Tugade and other DOTr officials personally checked the safety of the airport personnel, as well as the state of the airport’s facilities.
Meanwhile, roof gutters, windows and glass doors of the LTFRB Region 2 office located at the Carig Regional Center in Tuguegarao were also damaged.
According to Sec. Tugade, one of DOTr’s priorities is to ensure that the resumption of normal operations in facilities affected by Ompong will be done as quick as possible.
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