MCIAA donates P2M for quake victims in Bohol and Cebu

Mactan Cebu International Airport. CDN FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) has donated P2 million to the city governments of Cebu and Bohol for their rehabilitation efforts after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Tuesday morning.

“I commend MCIAA for this generous act at this critical time, and I hope this inspires others to help out as well,” Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said in a statement Friday.

“I personally visited our countrymen in these areas over the past two days and saw the difficulties they are going through. It is good for them to be reassured that government is here to help them,” he said.

The P2-million donation was approved by the board of directors of MCIAA and will be divided equally between the provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol.

At least 150 people have been reportedly killed with hundreds more injured according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The quake has toppled several centuries-old churches in Bohol as well as damaged bridges, roads, hospitals, and government buildings.

Airports and seaports had to suspend operations immediately after the quake to assess the damage to the runways, terminals, and ports.

MCIAA said that the Cebu airport was closed for 20 minutes “to allow the Runway Inspection Team to conduct an immediate technical inspection of the runway and taxiway integrity,” DOTC said.

The passenger terminal building was closed for three and a half hours also for inspection and was found to have suffered only “minor damages such as cracks” which “were non-structural in nature,” it said.

DOTC advised the public to keep on alert since aftershocks have been recorded and more are expected over the next few days.

“The riding public is advised to remain on alert and to follow any public announcements that may be broadcast at the airport. Should there be a need to evacuate, they should follow the guidance of airport personnel and head to the nearest exits,” it said.