Monday 2 December 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Thursday, November 28, 2013

President Aquino returns to Bohol to inspect repaired bridges

(TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol) President Benigno S Aquino III returned on Thursday to Bohol province to personally inspect the repaired bridges after the province was hit by magnitude-7.2 earthquake last October 15.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Executive presided over a meeting attended by Cabinet Secretaries, Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto and officials of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other local officials at the Cafe Dolores, Bohol Tropics Resort Club, Graham Avenue in Tagbilaran City.

Joining the President during the meeting were Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Voltaire T. Gazmin, Public Works and Highways Secretary Secretary Rogelio Singson, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, among others.

President Aquino was briefed on the progress of the rehabilitation efforts for Bohol.

Around 2 p.m., the President went to the municipality of Alburquerque where he inspected the Tagbuane Bridge that was damaged by the strong earthquake.

The bridge, with 39.624 -meter length, was declared impassable after the earthquake, prompting the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) to provide bridging equipment intended for the temporary steel bridge.

The infrastructure works on the Tagbuane Bridge started on October 28. The bridge became passable on November 3.

The DPWH decided to install temporary steel bridges on the sites of the collapsed structures. The building of temporary bridges would take three to four weeks while the permanent bridges would take time.

Restoring the damaged roads would also take weeks, officials said.

After inspecting the Tagbuane Bridge, the President proceeded to Maribojoc town to inspect the Abatan Bridge

The President's visit was his third to Bohol province since the October 15 earthquake. PND (js)


President Aquino issues directives to prevent Yolanda disaster

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued directives to appropriate government agencies to prevent a repeat of the loss of lives and property caused by natural disasters like super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).
At a media briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said this is aside from the President’s approval in principle of the Cabinet’s recommendations on critical actions to be taken after Yolanda.

“Livelihood assistance for farmers and fishermen has also been prioritized due to the extreme damage to crops and coconut trees and the disruption of fishing activities in the typhoon aftermath,” he added.

He said the President will meet with the Cabinet anew Friday afternoon to resume discussions on the rehabilitation and reconstruction plans.

Such plans will also cover the work that will be done in Bohol, Zamboanga and Central Luzon post-Typhoon Santi.

Coloma said the proposed supplemental budget for this is P38.8 billion, nearly 80 percent of which is for the reconstruction of destroyed or damaged homes and repair of classrooms, hospitals, public markets and public facilities like town halls and government offices.

Coloma also said President Aquino issued the following directives to the following officials and agencies:

- To Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo: to update the list of the most severely affected towns and cities as priority areas for rehabilitation and reconstruction, based on a 50-km radius covered by the movement of the eye of Typhoon Yolanda. The center of Yolanda had packed winds of up to 250 kph and a powerful storm surge.

- To Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje: to issue a detailed Memorandum Order on the implementation of No-Build Zones. This bars the building of structures within three meters in urban areas, 20 meters in agricultural areas; and 40 meters in forest areas.

- The DENR was also ordered to implement a mangrove reforestation program to the coastlines of Leyte and Samar provinces and similarly affected areas.

- To Secretaries Joseph Abaya (transportation) and Rogelio Singson (Public Works): To prioritize the repair and rebuilding of Tacloban Airport, considered the hub of transport in Eastern Visayas.

The two were also directed to study the construction of an “all-weather airport” in line with the DPWH’s program to make structures more resilient.

- To all government agencies: to submit to DOST and DPWH complete geo-tagging reports on damaged public facilities, which will be a basis for post-disaster needs assessment and appropriate recovery and reconstruction plans.

- To DOST and the Communications Group: Fine-tune communication, education and information programs; use available resources of government media.

Coloma noted that in communicating the dangers of a storm surge, Montejo had said a storm surge cannot be likened to a tsunami since there are differences, including in the preparation time involved.

“Secretary Montejo clarified that a storm surge requires organized evacuation that can be undertaken within a 24- to 48-hour preparation period while a tsunami alert requires outright, spontaneous evacuation where the lead time can be as short as 30 minutes,” he said.

Coloma likewise said President Aquino ordered the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 59, which directs government financial institutions (GFIs) to grant a six-month moratorium on outstanding loan payments.

This will also extend interest-free loans to people affected by Yolanda.

Covered by the circular are: Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (Pag-IBIG), People’s Credit and Finance Corp., Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Philippine Retirement Authority, Quedan Rural Credit and Guaranty Corp. United Coconut Planters Bank. PND (jl)


Palace vows political will in enforcing no-build zones during mangrove reforestation

Spurred by the huge loss of life and property in the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Malacañang on Thursday assured it will practice political will in enforcing the no-build zones in high-risk areas.

However, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government will also provide assistance to fishermen and residents who may be affected.

“You can be certain that even with more political will the government will implement this policy given the widespread loss of life and damage wrought by Typhoon Yolanda,” Coloma said at a media briefing.

Citing data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, he said mangroves should be restored especially in coastal areas, to provide protection from storm surges.

Such mangroves may also provide spawning grounds for crustaceans and shellfish, Coloma added.

“Kung napanatili iyong mga mangrove forest na dati ay natural feature of our coastlines siguro ay naiwasan iyong ganyang lalim at lawak ng kalamidad (Had we maintained our mangrove forests which are a natural feature of our coastlines, we could have avoided the Yolanda tragedy),” he added.

However, Coloma also said the government will assist fishermen in the area, and may build waterways to provide them continuing access to fishing areas.

Coloma said the government will extend assistance to the fishermen, who he said are not barred from fishing.

“Ide-designate lang siguro further out dahil kinakailangang mag-umpisa na iyong mangrove replanting at reforestation (We might designate fishing zones while the mangrove replanting and reforestation is ongoing),” the Communication Secretary said.

He added Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson had indicated the mangrove planting will be done purposively so as not to dislocate or diminish the income of fishermen.

On the other hand, Coloma said the government will be level-headed in convincing residents in high-risk areas to leave their homes.

“Dadaanin naman po sa mahinahon at mahusay na paliwanagan at pakikipag-usap upang kumbinsihin sila that it is for their enlightened self-interest, that their lives and safety are adequately protected by the government (We will use level-headed explanation in convincing them it is for their enlightened self-interest, that their lives and safety are adequately protected by the government),” he said. PND (jl)


Palace prepared to certify supplemental budget bill as urgent if needed

If needed, Malacañang is prepared to certify as urgent a proposed measure that will provide a supplemental budget of P38.8 billion for post-Typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation work in 2014.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Thursday such an action will depend on how the bill fares in both houses of Congress.

“Palagi naming ine-emphasize that we are prepared to do what is needed. Depende ito sa proseso nila (We have always emphasized we are prepared to do what is needed. It will depend on Congress’ processes),” Coloma said at a media briefing.

He said the usefulness of certifying a bill as urgent will come in if there are few session days left, and a bill has to be passed on second and third reading on the same day.

The present legislative calendar of the 16th Congress indicates both houses of Congress will go on Christmas break from Dec. 21 to Jan. 19, 2014.

Coloma said the matter of whether President Benigno S. Aquino III will certify the bill as urgent will now depend on Congress.

“Handa ang Pangulo to do what is needed ... Hinihintay ang senyales mula sa Kongreso (The President is prepared to do what is needed. For now, the ball is in Congress’ court),” he said. PND (jl)


President Aquino inspects the repaired Abatan Bridge damaged by earthquake in Bohol

(MARIBOJOC, Bohol) President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected the repaired Abatan Bridge which was damaged by magnitude-7.2 earthquake last October 15, as part of the efforts to restore normalcy in the province of Bohol.

After inspecting the Abatan Bridge in Barangay Lingkod here, the Chief Executive briefly monitored the traffic situation.

The Abatan Bridge which links Bohol northern towns from the capital city of Tagbilaran, was reopened to traffic after 18 days of infrastructure works.

He then proceeded to the nearby Brgy. Lingkod Livelihood Product Center where he was briefed by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson about the progress of the infrastructure projects in the province.

The Abatan Bridge became impassable after the strong earthquake that shook the province.

In response to President Aquino's directive, Singson immediately deployed engineers to assess structural integrity of structures in the province.

The full scale operation on the damaged Abatan Bridge started on November 6. Mobilization of personnel and equipment was hampered by landslide along the only access road leading to the Abatan Bridge project site.

Typhoons Yolanda and Zoraida also delayed the completion of the building of the temporary bridge.

The President earlier inspected Tagbuane Bridge in the municipality of Alburquerque. PND (js)


Sound economic fundamental a buffer against downside risks, Palace says

Malacanang welcomed the 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of this year noting that this positive development will serve as the country’s shield against the risks posed by the natural disasters that hit the country recently.

“This achievement is proof positive that the country’s sound macro-economic fundamentals provide a solid buffer against downside risks such as natural disasters,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.

“Our economic management team is determined to adopt appropriate measures for overcoming the challenges to the economy,” he said.

In light of this development, Coloma said the Aquino administration remains committed to implementing reforms that strengthens the country’s public institutions, and establishes a stable infrastructure for good governance that sustains inclusive growth.

Citing NEDA’s statement, Coloma said the 7 percent third quarter growth rate boosts the 2013 first nine months growth to 7.4 percent from 6.7 percent last year.

With this figure, Coloma said the Philippines remains a star performer among counties in Asia based on the observations of reputable financial analysts.

According to the report of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the third quarter growth was driven by the services sector with the robust performance of the real state, renting and business activities, trade and financial intermediation sustained by the accelerated growth of the industry sector.

On the demand side, the growth came from increased investments in fixed capital, reinforced by consumer and government spending and the robust growth in external trade.

The NSCB also reported that on a seasonally adjusted basis, the GDP posted a positive growth of 1.1 percent in the third quarter of 2013 but this was a deceleration from 1.6 percent in the previous quarter.

It also noted that the agriculture sector rebounded its seasonally adjusted growth to 0.7 percent from a decline of 0.7 percent in the previous quarter while the industry sector decelerated to 0.3 percent from 1.4 percent.

The services sector on the other hand, recorded a 1.6 percent seasonally adjusted growth for the third quarter of 2013 from 2.1 percent in the previous quarter with the positive growth of all its subsectors, the NSCB said. PND (as)


Palace targets 2-3 months’ stay for Yolanda-affected families in bunkhouses

Malacañang is targeting a two- to three-month bunkhouse stay for residents affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan), before having them moved to permanent housing facilities.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Thursday the government wants to ensure a good quality of life for the affected residents.

“After a two- to three-month transition, kailangan sila ilipat sa permanent housing kaya inihahanda yan ng NHA (After a two- to three-month transition, they should be moved to permanent housing facilities).

That is being arranged by the National Housing Authority),” Coloma said at a media briefing.

He said the government will also prioritize the procurement of housing materials such as coco lumber, galvanized iron sheets and other basic materials to help residents repair their homes.

The government is building bunkhouses to accommodate families whose homes were destroyed by Yolanda when the cyclone battered Visayas and Southern Luzon last November 8.

Coloma said the government expects the rehabilitation program for Yolanda-affected areas may take a long time.
“We realize there are some programs that will involve multi-year programs,” he said.

The Communications Secretary also reassured the public the government will respect ancestral domains in making the appropriate arrangements.

“Gagalangin ang kanilang karapatan at hahanapan ng paraan para maging kapakinabang sa nakararami (We will respect their rights and look for the best way that is satisfactory for all concerned),” he said. PND (jl)


Bunkhouses construction start in Basey town

(BASEY, Samar) Nearly three weeks after the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda," local government officials here are now focusing on providing temporary and permanent relocation sites for displaced families in this town.

Basey Vice Mayor Paul Charles Adona said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the construction of 18 units of bunkhouses in Barangay Canmanila Sitio Bangon here.

"There are 51,000 families displaced by typhoon Yolanda in our town," Adona said adding that the evacuees are currently housed in two evacuation centers at Basey Church and Basey Elementary School.

The bunkhouses, which can accommodate 24 families each, are expected to be completed within two weeks according to DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Rolando Asis.

Adona said those who will occupy the bunkhouses will be determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which earlier said that they will prioritize families with vulnerable members including babies, pregnant women, elderly and persons with disabilities.

The Vice Mayor said the permanent relocation houses for displaced families will also be constructed in Barangay Canmanila.

"President Aquino ordered to relocate the people to safer grounds," he said adding that people who are living near the coastal areas will be prioritized.

"We will be drafting an ordinance preventing people to reside 20 meters from the sea wall, which is considered as danger zone," he noted.

He said the local government has P50 million standby fund ready to be used for the building of permanent houses.

"We are hoping to finalize the negotiation with the owner of the property next week so we can start with the construction," Adona said.

Basey is one of the areas hit hardest by Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest cyclone to hit the country, which has left at least 5,000 people dead.

The DPWH is also constructing 18 units of bunkhouses in the nearby town of Amambucale in Marabut, also part of Western Samar. PND (jb)


Pacquiao is not being harassed by the government, says President Aquino

(TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol) President Benigno S. Aquino III said Sarangani Representative Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao is neither being singled out nor ‘harassed’ by his administration when it comes to his taxes.
The Chief Executive instead urged the celebrated boxing hero to simply answer all the questions of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) concerning his tax liabilities before a proper venue and not through media.

“If he did right, then I’m sure he will be able to prove that he did right, and therefore there is no issue. So the way to settle it is to answer all of these queries by the BIR and not to engage in a media war," President Aquino told reporters here.

"The media will not decide who is right or wrong. It will be our courts eventually, if it gets to that, who will decide."

It has been two years since Pacquiao was assessed by the BIR with a P2.2-billion tax evasion case, the President said, but the boxing icon merely took a ‘cavalier’ attitude toward it and did not respond to any of the legitimate summonses issued by the agency.

Pacquiao implied in his recent press statements that there was something ‘political’ about the BIR’s freeze order on his assets, days after his recent victory in Macau, which the President did not seem to understand.

“Bakit siya iha-harrass? ‘Di ba, saan ba logic ‘non? I understand parang the accounts total 1.1-million pesos. What is that compared to all of his winnings?” the President asked.

President Aquino also apparently did not subscribe to Pacquiao’s defense that his earnings in the United States, every time he steps into a boxing ring there, were already taxed by its own Internal Revenue Service which has all the documents to provide the BIR.

He earns abroad, he pays taxes there, ‘yung tax rate nila at tax rate natin magkaiba yata. My understanding—I am not, of course, an expert on the Internal Revenue Code—but the bottom line is the difference ng tax rate natin at tax rate doon still has to be made up,” he said.

“Dulo nito siguro, and with all due to respect to Congressman Pacquiao, if he believes that he has complied with all the necessary rules and all the necessary laws, then I’m sure he has all the evidence to—parang to afford,” the President emphasized. PND (hdc)


President Aquino says Bohol returns to normalcy in the aftermath of earthquake

(Maribojoc, Bohol) President Benigno S. Aquino III said the province of Bohol appears to be returning to normalcy following the devastation brought by magnitude 7.2 earthquake last October 15.

In his speech at the Barangay Lingkod Livelihood Product Center here, the Chief Executive said on Thursday that the rehabilitation efforts for the province of Bohol are in full swing to help the people to recover from the devastation wrought by the strong earthquake.

"Talaga pong ibang-iba na nga po ang sitwasyon ngayon dito sa Bohol kumpara nang huli tayong nagkita noong Oktubre. Nang tumungo tayo rito, halos nasa gitna pa tayo ng sakuna, at may mga nakaamba pa ring mga peligro. Niyayanig pa tayo ng mga aftershock, marami pang bitak sa mga kalsada at nagkalat ang mga bakas ng gumuhong estruktura." the President said.

"Unti-unti na nga pong bumabalik sa normal ang pamumuhay rito sa Bohol. Isang matingkad na halimbawa nito ang pagkakaroon na ng kuryente sa mga apektadong lugar," he said.

President Aquino lauded his Cabinet Secretaries who continue to work hard to speed up the rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities.

The Department of Energy, the National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and electric cooperatives are undertaking major power restoration works, the President noted.

"Naibalik po ito agad sa normal sa loob lang ng anim na araw, ‘yung pagkakabit po sa grid. Nang humagupit naman ang bagyong Yolanda, nadagdagan ang pinsala sa mga transmission lines, kaya may agam-agam na matagal pa bago bumalik ang kuryente," he said.

"Pero ang good news po, sa loob lamang ng labing-anim na araw, natugunan na ang problema sa kuryente na dulot ng nagdaang super typhoon Yolanda," the President said.

President Aquino also commended the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communications, National Housing Authority, among others, for their contributions to effectively implement the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities.

"Matapos po nating isaayos ang mga kalsada, sumunod ang mas agarang paghahatid ng ayuda sa mga komunidad. Tinutukan din natin ang rehabilitasyon ng paliparan at ng mga pantalan. Bahagi ng pagbisita natin rito ang pagkamusta sa ipapagawa nating New Bohol Airport na siguradong lalapagan ng mga bagong oportunidad," he said.

The President said the government is embarking on the housing projects for displaced residents.

"Nakita ko rin ho kanina ang buhay na minumungkahi ng Habitat for Humanity, kung saan parte kongkreto, parte kahoy, parte bakal. At parang ito ‘yung mas matibay, mas matibay sa earthquake, mas matibay rin pati sa bagyo," he said.

Various infrastructure projects to repair damaged roads and bridges and public structures are now in place.

"Pinag-aaralan na rin ng National Museum, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, at National Historical Commission of the Philippines, ang rehabilitasyon ng mga gumuhong simbahan na ating National Cultural Treasures," he said.

"Sa pakikipagtulungan po ng gobyerno at pribadong sektor, makakaasa po tayo: Darating ang panahon na maitatayo ang mga ito, at muling ibabantayog ang mayamang kultura at pananalig ng mga Boholano," the President.

The President, likewise, lauded the Bohol local officials and residents for showing resilience during the calamity.

"Muli’t muli nating patunayan na walang hamon na hindi natin kayang lampasan, lalo’t may malasakit ang Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipino. Tulad ng ipinakita ng bawat Boholano, sabay-sabay tayong babangon sa anumang pagkadapa, at sa kahit anumang yanig at pagsubok, kapit-bisig na titindig ang buong bansa," he said. PND (js)


President Aquino says Bohol returns to normalcy in the aftermath of earthquake

(Maribojoc, Bohol) President Benigno S. Aquino III said the province of Bohol appears to be returning to normalcy following the devastation brought by magnitude 7.2 earthquake last October 15.

In his speech at the Barangay Lingkod Livelihood Product Center here, the Chief Executive said on Thursday that the rehabilitation efforts for the province of Bohol are in full swing to help the people to recover from the devastation wrought by the strong earthquake.

"Talaga pong ibang-iba na nga po ang sitwasyon ngayon dito sa Bohol kumpara nang huli tayong nagkita noong Oktubre. Nang tumungo tayo rito, halos nasa gitna pa tayo ng sakuna, at may mga nakaamba pa ring mga peligro. Niyayanig pa tayo ng mga aftershock, marami pang bitak sa mga kalsada at nagkalat ang mga bakas ng gumuhong estruktura." the President said.

"Unti-unti na nga pong bumabalik sa normal ang pamumuhay rito sa Bohol. Isang matingkad na halimbawa nito ang pagkakaroon na ng kuryente sa mga apektadong lugar," he said.

President Aquino lauded his Cabinet Secretaries who continue to work hard to speed up the rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities.

The Department of Energy, the National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and electric cooperatives are undertaking major power restoration works, the President noted.

"Naibalik po ito agad sa normal sa loob lang ng anim na araw, ‘yung pagkakabit po sa grid. Nang humagupit naman ang bagyong Yolanda, nadagdagan ang pinsala sa mga transmission lines, kaya may agam-agam na matagal pa bago bumalik ang kuryente," he said.

"Pero ang good news po, sa loob lamang ng labing-anim na araw, natugunan na ang problema sa kuryente na dulot ng nagdaang super typhoon Yolanda," the President said.

President Aquino also commended the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communications, National Housing Authority, among others, for their contributions to effectively implement the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities.

"Matapos po nating isaayos ang mga kalsada, sumunod ang mas agarang paghahatid ng ayuda sa mga komunidad. Tinutukan din natin ang rehabilitasyon ng paliparan at ng mga pantalan. Bahagi ng pagbisita natin rito ang pagkamusta sa ipapagawa nating New Bohol Airport na siguradong lalapagan ng mga bagong oportunidad," he said.

The President said the government is embarking on the housing projects for displaced residents.

"Nakita ko rin ho kanina ang buhay na minumungkahi ng Habitat for Humanity, kung saan parte kongkreto, parte kahoy, parte bakal. At parang ito ‘yung mas matibay, mas matibay sa earthquake, mas matibay rin pati sa bagyo," he said.

Various infrastructure projects to repair damaged roads and bridges and public structures are now in place.

"Pinag-aaralan na rin ng National Museum, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, at National Historical Commission of the Philippines, ang rehabilitasyon ng mga gumuhong simbahan na ating National Cultural Treasures," he said.

"Sa pakikipagtulungan po ng gobyerno at pribadong sektor, makakaasa po tayo: Darating ang panahon na maitatayo ang mga ito, at muling ibabantayog ang mayamang kultura at pananalig ng mga Boholano," the President.

The President, likewise, lauded the Bohol local officials and residents for showing resilience during the calamity.

"Muli’t muli nating patunayan na walang hamon na hindi natin kayang lampasan, lalo’t may malasakit ang Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipino. Tulad ng ipinakita ng bawat Boholano, sabay-sabay tayong babangon sa anumang pagkadapa, at sa kahit anumang yanig at pagsubok, kapit-bisig na titindig ang buong bansa," he said. PND (js)


President Aquino continues to address scarce power supply in Bohol

(Tagbilaran City, Bohol) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday the government is implementing measures to find sources of power supply to address the brownouts in the province of Bohol.

During his meeting with Cabinet Secretaries, national government and local officials at the Cafe Dolores, Bohol Tropics Resort Club, Graham Avenue here in Tagbilaran City, the Chief Executive said the government is now addressing the scarcity of power supply not only in Bohol but also in some Visayas regions.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla reported to the President that the Department of Energy and the local electric cooperative are now implementing measures to ensure that power is restored in the entire province.

While power is restored in Tagbilaran and other munipalities in the province, these areas continue to experience rotation brownouts lasting to two to six hours a day.

The power was totally cut off in Bohol province following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake last October 15. The DOE started restoring power supply in the province of Bohol, except in communities that were abandoned by residents.

With the restoration work still on-going in Bohol, super typhoon "Yolanda" cut the transmission lines in Visayas regions.

The scarcity of power supply in Bohol is brought about by the devastation unleashed by typhoon Yolanda in neighbouring Leyte.

"First, ang earthquake had damages to the lines, reforms, etc. Tapos ‘nung nire-repair natin ‘yan, biglang pumasok naman si ‘Yolanda’, sinundan pa ni ‘Zoraida'. Ang apektado ang geothermal plant in Leyte, and your electricity in Bohol is sourced from—well, part, not really sourced—the lines go through Leyte. They were damaged," the President said in an interview with the media here.

"Over 200 transmission towers of the grid have been affected. We really have to rebuild that and, also, interconnection between Luzon and Visayas, na-damage rin. Ang 520-megawatt plant in Leyte, nabawasan ang Visayas grid by 400," he said

"What they can produce right now is about 120. So doon nagmula, nabawasan ka na ng source, apektado pa ‘yung transmission lines. And makaka-draw by December of over a hundred megawatts from the Luzon grid that will augment and, therefore, will eliminate the problem of brownouts for Bohol," he said.

Petilla assured to work doubly hard so that power supply to Eastern and Central Visayas will increase before Christmas, the President said.


"Hopefully, the brownouts will be lessened," the President said. PND (js)