Cebu City Civic Action Group Brings Aid to Catbalogan City

(Cebu City – Public Information Office) In readiness and automatic service, the Cebu City government thru the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office – Quick Response Team (CCDRRMO-QRT) once again executed the passion of service to the city of Catbalogan in Northern Samar after they were hit by typhoon ‘Ruby’.

The city formed another civic group for the Operation Typhoon Ruby in Catbalogan City. The group is composed of Quick Response Operatives, hazardous tree-cutters, CITOM, drivers from GSO and some certified nurses for the ambulance crew.

Devastation is evident as the team went through the road from the city of Tacloban going to Catbalogan especially the crops in their fields. Also, there a lot of houses destroyed from the wrath of the recent typhoon.

The team arrived in Catbalogan City on December 11, 2014 and immediately appeared in a courtesy call to be recognized at the office of the city mayor, Hon. Stephany Uy-Tan.

CCDRRMO accountable officer Harold Alcontin and office head Simeon Romarate presented to the mayor the Cebu City’s manpower for the clearing operation and distribution of relief goods that came from the City of Ormoc and private sectors.

The government of Cebu City offered at least 75 full force manpower to the city of Catbalogan for the clearing operation in different barangays, tree trimming and cutting, hauling and even in doing electrical repairs.

The city of Catbalogan has reported a total of 20,812 individuals and 4,281 families evacuated in 35 different evacuation centers. There are 28 affected barangays in the area with about 95% damaged including infrastructures, houses, schools and sources of livelihood.

The major areas of damage are in coastal and upland places with 1,750 houses totally damaged and 10,286 houses partially damaged.

As of Friday, December 12, 2014, there are seven barangays that were given relief goods while five barangays were being attended for clearing operations by CCCAG.

Also, the group conducted information education campaign (IEC) on disaster preparedness and response thru film viewing. (JS, CCDRRMO/PIO)