THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has requested local airlines to provide free transport of relief goods to areas affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.
According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), this aims to support ongoing humanitarian relief operations in areas affected by the quake, with airlines allocating available cargo space in their aircraft, subject to safety and operational limitations, as well as airlines’ procedures.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez thanked the Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia for supporting the DOTr’s initiative.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating local airlines na nakiki-isa sa layunin nating mapabilis ‘yung paghatid ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng lindol. Dahil dito, kahit papaano ay mabawasan man lang ‘yung paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan,” Lopez said.
The advisory for local airlines will be effective immediately and will remain in force for the next 30 days, unless lifted sooner or extended as may be necessary.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered various government agencies to mobilize assistance to the province of Cebu following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake.
Marcos orders gov’t agencies to mobilize aid for quake-hit Cebu
The Palace said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) already urged government agencies to “promptly activate” Quick Response Funds (QRF).
Agencies are allowed to tap their QRF during emergencies and to pour finances for relief and recovery programs, “helping communities return to normalcy after disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.” (ABS-CBN News)
