By: Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Ormoc City and Kananga, Leyte are set to be placed under a state of calamity due to the magnitude-6.5 earthquake last week.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said members of President Duterte’s Cabinet visited Ormoc yesterday for a situation briefing presided over by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana where Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez and Kananga Mayor Rowena Codilla apprised them of the situation in their respective jurisdictions.
“A full complement of Cabinet secretaries and representatives met with local government officials in quick response to the emergency caused by the 6.5-magnitude earthquake whose epicenter was Jaro/Ormoc, Leyte,” said Abella who attended the briefing.
“It was determined that Ormoc City, along with Kananga, a Leyte municipality, would be declared under a state of calamity,” Abella said.
The National Economic and Development Authority cited the need to address the energy situation in Leyte as soon as possible to avoid revenue losses.
Abella said that Gomez reiterated their need for clean and potable water.
Also present during the briefing were Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, among others.
