Typhoon-hit Batanes thanks Duterte for aid

Batanes is now in need of an immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction plan after Typhoon Ferdie destroyed houses and buildings. (Photo from the LENI ROBREDO MEDIA BUREAU)

BASCO, Batanes—Ivatans thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and Malacañang for sending aid to the province in a Sept. 23 letter transmitted this week by Governor Marilou Cayco and Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad.

Batanes officials said residents were surprised by the unusually strong wings and rain unleashed on Sept. 13 and 14 by Typhoon “Ferdie” (international name: Meranti).

Itbayat Island took the brunt of the storm, which damaged approximately P65 million worth of houses, government infrastructure and crops.

READ: ‘Ferdie’ damages in Batanes pegged at P225 million

This weekend, a military cargo plane brought 35 sacks of relief goods, including food packs, to Itbayat island.

READ: Relief finally reaches far Batanes town

In a recent meeting with Cayco, Itbayat officials asked for construction materials to rebuild damaged homes.

Cayco said the provincial government would pay skilled workers to help single parents and widows restore their houses. She said the provincial government would also foot the bill to build new houses for families rendered homeless by Ferdie.