The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday announced it has turned over some PHP5 million worth of non-food items to the provincial government of Batanes.

Governor Marilou Cayco received the donation from OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno in simple rites at the Batanes State College in Basco town on Tuesday, the agency said in a news release.

The non-food items include family packs, shelter repair kits, hygiene kits, and ropes.

Nepomuceno said the donation is in support of the disaster risk reduction and management operations in the province.

“We are now preparing for the rainy season and La Niña. Batanes is prone to strong typhoons and is always isolated. The key is pre-positioning adequate relief goods and equipment so these will be available immediately when they need them,” he added.

The OCD also cited the need to empower local government units, which are the frontlines during emergency situations, by enhancing their capabilities such as augmentation of essential supplies. (PNA)