Photo courtesy of MMDA.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sent Wednesday, Oct. 30, a 30-personnel team to Batangas to help in the clearing operations in areas in the province that were heavily hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
The team consists of officials and members of the MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG), who brought with them various equipment and tools for clearing roads and other areas of fallen trees, debris, and other obstructions and hazards.
They are set to initially assist in clearing operations in the municipality of Laurel in the said province.
MPCG Director Francisco Martinez, who is leading the MMDA team, said they would use a dump truck, a backhoe loader, chainsaws, and other devices in their clearing operations.
The MMDA earlier sent personnel to the municipalities of Agoncillo and Lemery, also in Batangas, to assist in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations after heavy floods and landslides hit the areas.
The personnel were from the MMDA K-9 Unit, Public Safety Division, and Road Emergency Group. They brought with them multi-purpose life locator equipment and three K-9 unit-trained dogs for the operations.
Last week, the MMDA sent a 50-person contingent to Bicol for clearing and search-and-rescue operations. The contingent brought 40 solar-powered water filtration systems, one aluminum boat, two engine-operated rubber boats, 20 small fiberglass boats, 1,000 life vests, six chainsaws, modular evacuation tents, and medicines.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said these operations were part of their quick response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a whole-of-government approach in assisting the storm-hit areas. (PIA DMD)
