LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Rep. Eric Yap assured victims of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck Northern Luzon, especially those from the province, of the quick response from concerned government agencies and local governments while eliciting the assistance of contractors to help clear the debris and landslides along major road networks in the province to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of goods to the remote villages.
“Sa mga nangangailangan ng mga relief goods, inaayos na po ng Congressional District ng Benguet ang mga pangangailangan at hinahanap na po namin yung mga naapektuhan na pamilya, mga bahay, na barangay at kame po ay magpapadala ng relief goods,” Yap said in a video message.
The solon will also give assistance to the family of the construction worker, identified as Aaron Cul-eteng, 25-years-old, from Pilapil, Cervantes Ilocos Sur and a resident of Pinsao Pilot, Baguio City. Cul-eteng was buried in the construction site when the quake struck with an epicenter located two kilometers southwest of Abra’s Lagangilang town and had a depth of 25 kilometers.
“We grieve with the family of one confirmed casualty of the earthquake this morning. Hindi natin sila hahayaan and we will cover the burial expenses and extend immediate help to the family as well. For all we know, siya lang ang provider ng family niya so we will help them get back on their feet,” Yap said.
Governor Melchor Diclas suspended work in the Provincial Capitol and advised the public to remain in the safest place possible as aftershocks are expected.
The governor already ordered the Provincial Response Team and other personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) to ready in cases of emergency.
The PDRRMO can be reached through (0947)486-1339 or (0967)450-7404.
“We are still verifying reports ng iba pang damages at possible casualties in other parts of Benguet. We should have a clearer picture by this afternoon but our kailyan need not worry, our office will help and will assist in whatever way possible. I urge everyone to stay home and be alert. May God protect us all,” Yap said
Kennon Road was closed to vehicular traffic, except the residents, after a series of rockslides and landslides were reported along the stretch of the roadline to pave the way for the conduct of clearing operations for the overall safety of both the pedestrians and the motorists using the said road in going in and out of the province.
Marcos Highway was one lane passable while portions of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road were closed to vehicular traffic because of debris that impeded the flow of vehicles along the said roadline.
Yap expressed hope the people can hurdle the prevailing challenges in their lives posed by the ongoing COVID-19 and aggravated by the problems in the international scene fueled by the Russia and Ukraine war and the unstoppable increase in the prices of oil.
Contractors started mobilizing their respective units of heavy equipment to allow immediate clearing operations for the smooth flow of traffic and this will continue until the situation gets better.
