Days after Tisoy onslaught, execs open Legazpi airport hangar for relief deployment

LEGAZPI CITY—Officials on Monday, Dec. 9, inaugurated a newly-built hangar at this city’s airport which would serve as central warehouse for the Bicol region in times of calamities.

Ricardo Jalad, of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the hangar was a three-in-one facility that would serve as operations office, warehouse and staging area for relief operations.

Jalad led the inauguration of the hangar, which would also serve its design purpose—as shelter for planes.

Claudio Yucot, Office of Civil Defense Bicol director, said the new hangar would help facilitate the deployment of logistics like tents, rescue boats and generators from the OCD central office in Metro Manila.

Jalad said relief sustainability was key after Typhoon Tisoy slammed into the Bicol region.

Distribution of materials for repair of damaged houses continued.

He said distribution of cash aid and assessment of damage “is strictly done” as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Relocation should also be planned immediately by the National Housing Authority, he said.

Jalad said the death toll—12—from Tisoy was still being validated but asked the interior and local government and health departments to submit by next week a “final situational report on dead and missing.” Michael B. Jaucian

Edited by TSB