Tuguegarao City- The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and the Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon (OPANL), both headed by Secretary Raul L. Lambino under the Office of the President quickly responded to the needs of families affected by a pair of moderately strong earthquakes that hit the Itbayat Town of Batanes on Saturday morning, July 27, 2019.

(Several photos grabbed from the internet)

The reported death toll remained at eight as of this writing with hundred residents injured and thousands rendered homeless.

Secretary Lambino said that relief supplies are already available for victims of the twin earthquakes and now on its way to Itbayat, the hardest-hit town.He also instructed the CEZA team represented by Leonardo C. Cruz, Officer-In-Charge for Cagayan Offices to immediately attend to the needs of the affected victims in Itbayat once they get there.

Mr. Cruz reported that at least 1,500 gallons of mineral water and 3,000 bags of relief goods (each containing 3kls. of rice, various canned food, packs of instant coffee, instant noodles and two 500ml bottled water) are ready for distribution to the said affected families in Itbayat.

“I also urge local government units, particularly in Northern Luzon, and everyone who is willing to extend help in any form of assistance for the rescue, evacuation and relief to the affected families in Batanes,” Secretary Lambino said.