CALAPAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, in his concurrent capacity as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) visited Oriental Mindoro yesterday (27 October) to assess the damage brought by Typhoon Quinta after local officials placed the province under a State of Calamity the same day.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Quinta left one fatality, while over 9,000 households were moved to 111 evacuation centers. The typhoon has also left an agricultural damage worth more than P1 billion. 

During the Rapid Damage Assessment briefing hosted by Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor, Secretary Cusi announced various inter-agency restoration efforts. These include housing assistance from the National Housing Authority, as expressed by its General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada Jr., and the commitment of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Administrator Eduardo B. Gongona to replace damaged fishing boats.  

The Energy chief also directed DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan to closely coordinate with Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative General Manager Norberto Mendoza for the immediate restoration of power in affected areas, and to suspend the issuance of disconnection notices to lessen the burden on consumers who are already struggling to recover from the crippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As CORDS for Region IV-B, Secretary Cusi also reminded members of the Philippine National Police and Army to remain vigilant against insurgents who will take advantage of these trying times. 

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