(EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Eastern Samar has begun assessing the extent of damage caused by Typhoon ‘Tino’ on the island villages of Suluan and Homonhon in Guiuan town, two of the areas hardest hit when the typhoon swept through the province earlier this week.
On November 5, Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone led a team of provincial officials to Suluan Island, the farthest barangay under Guiuan’s jurisdiction and located facing the Pacific Ocean. About 490 families on the island were affected by the typhoon.
During the visit, Governor Evardone, joined by Guiuan Acting Vice Mayor Kinna Kwan and other local officials, distributed construction materials consisting of 200 galvanized iron sheets and 100 Hardiflex boards, which were turned over to the barangay council of Suluan. The governor said priority will be given to families whose homes were destroyed.
“These are not enough. This is just an initial visit to check and assess what the island needs. When we come back, we will be bringing what they truly need,” Evardone assured, noting that more aid will be provided once the full assessment is completed.
Before the island visit, Evardone also turned over 1,000 food packs to the Guiuan municipal government, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for distribution to affected families in Suluan, Homonhon, and nearby coastal areas.
The governor, accompanied by Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, later proceeded to Homonhon Island, where 1,562 families from eight villages were reported affected.
Relief goods and supplies were distributed, and Starlink satellite units—requested by Rep. Gonzales from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)—were also delivered to help restore communication on the island.
In addition to the two island villages, 2,579 families from mainland Guiuan and Victory Island were also affected by the typhoon.
The Municipal Council of Guiuan earlier declared the town under a state of calamity on November 4, following a recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC)chaired by Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan.
The declaration allows the municipal government to utilize its quick response fund to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
