Naval, Biliran — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, December 18, expressed satisfaction over the ongoing relief efforts of state agencies in areas damaged by typhoon “Urduja.”

During a briefing at the Naval State University here, the Chief Executive was informed about the extent of the typhoon’s destruction as well as the relief operations of various government agencies.

President Duterte, who conducted an aerial survey of the areas affected by the typhoon, directed government agencies to continue the relief efforts as well as search and rescue operations.

The government, according to the President, is prepared to assist farmers to recover from the devastation.

Duterte noted that climate change is real and taking its toll, as he recalled the traumatic experience during typhoon “Yolanda” in November 2013.

During the briefing, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar assured that the two destroyed bridges in Naval would be rebuild within a month.

The Energy department, for its part, eyes to restore power in the region by December 21.

Meanwhile, the worth of the typhoon’s damage is still being assessed by the Agriculture department.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the agency would release P25,000 as assistance to farmers and fisherfolks whose livelihoods were affected.

He said P5,000 of that amount would be a grant from the government, while P20,000 is a loan payable in three years without collateral or interest.

Some municipal mayors in Biliran asked assistance from the national government as several school buildings were destroyed by the typhoon.

President Duterte then said the Education department has an available budget for such emergencies and could be tapped to repair damaged school buildings. ###(PND)