17 September 2016

Last Thursday (September 15), Batanes was declared under a state of calamity as Typhoon Ferdie hit directly the island and surrounding islets.

Based from reports communicated to us by the locals and officials, the typhoon stayed for six hours gusting at 250kph. causing heavy damage. Right now, there is still no electricity, water and communication services in the islands. Residents have lost their homes, but their sources of livelihood as well.

I appeal to the private sector, humanitarian aid organizations and my fellow countrymen and women to again assist the efforts of government and consolidate support for the relief and recovery efforts for our fellow Filipinos in Batanes.

I have called for an emergency meeting among the Housing agencies on Monday to see how we can strategize means and consolidate resources in the rebuilding of homes in the province.