STA. ANA, Cagayan: The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) under the Office of the President is airlifting supplies for the families affected by a pair of moderately strong earthquakes that hit the Itbayat town in Batanes on Saturday.

The reported death toll remained at eight as of this writing, while over 100 residents were injured.

Sec. Raul Lambino, CEZA administrator and chief executive officer, said relief supplies were already available for victims of the twin earthquakes and were being transported to Itbayat, the town that was hit the hardest.

“It is unfortunate and saddening to learn that numerous lives were lost, hundreds are wounded and thousands are rendered homeless,” said Lambino, who is also the presidential adviser for Northern Luzon.

He noted that he had already instructed his team, led by CEZA Officer in Charge for Cagayan offices Leonardo Cruz, to immediately attend to the needs of the affected victims in Itbayat once they get there.

Cruz, meanwhile, said at least 1,500 gallons of mineral water and 3,000 bags of relief goods — each containing 3 kilograms of rice, various canned foods, instant coffee packs, instant noodles, and two 500-milliliter bottled water — were ready to be distributed to affected families in Itbayat.

He also said the CEZA medical team based in Cagayan was also on its way and would be put on standby in case other victims needed further treatments.

“I also urged local government units, particularly in Northern Luzon, and everyone who are willing to help to extend any form of assistance for the rescue, evacuation and relief to the affected families in Batanes,” Lambino said.

He said CEZA also closely coordinates the continuing post-earthquake relief effort.

In his Facebook post, Lambino said the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon and CEZA accept donations of any kind for the Operation Bangon Batanes Relief Center. Donations may be addressed to the CEZA office in Cagayan or to the CEZA office in Greenfield Tower, Mayflower Street corner Williams Street, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.

He said assistance could be communicated with Cruz at his contact number 0917 817 4302.

https://www.manilatimes.net/ceza-airlifts-supplies-to-itbayat-in-batanes/591722/