Sorsogon aids Albay in road clearing ops

LEGAZPI CITY --- Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero on Tuesday, Nov. 3, sent a team to conduct clearing operations on the roads of Albay, one of the Bicol provinces severely hit by super typhoon “Rolly.”

The team composed of representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 903rd, 22nd, and 31st Infantry Division, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Sorsogon, the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (SPDRRMO) and the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), started their road clearing operations at Barangay Villa Hermosa, which is at the boundary of Sorsogon and Daraga, Albay. They will advance toward the town of Polangui.

“Although we were alsoa hit, the damages are not in the scale of what our fellow Bicolanos in other provinces have suffered. Like a good neighbor, it is our duty to help them,” Escudero said.

The team also brought with them food packs, which will be given to those who will help the team in their clearing operation in Albay. The food packs are part of the ‘food for work’ program of Sorsogon where each individuals will be given packs in return for their help in the clearing operations whenever storm or typhoon hits the province.

The governor also said he would send teams to Catanduanes, which bore the brunt of super-typhoon’s winds once ferry services resume.

“As soon as ferry services resume, we will also send a similar group to the one we sent in Albay who will also conduct clearing operations as well as operate water filtration devices to make potable water available to everyone,” Escudero said.

The governor also said the team will bring 1,500 sacks of rice, which will be distributed to affected families in Catanduanes.

“Kaunting tulong lamang ito para sa mga kapwa naming Bicolano para sama-sama at sabay-sabay kaming makabangon mula sa pinsalang dinulot ng bagyong Rolly sa ating rehiyon,” he said.