Dinapigue Mining Corp. (DMC) distributed relief goods to more than 1,200 households of Dinapigue affected by SuperTyphoon Ompong last September 19.
Located at the remote Northeastern part of the province of Isabela, Dinapigue was placed under Signal No. 3 during the onslaught of the typhoon.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), there were 1,234 people affected by Ompong who were forced to leave their houses to evacuate to safer places and evacuation centers.
“Noong September 13, 2018 pinalikas na namin lahat ng mga pamilya na most affected ng bagyo. Nasa 396 families with 1,234 individuals po ang lumikas,” said Teddy Sabiano, MDRRMC – Dinapigue OIC.
Noong September 13, 2018 pinalikas na namin lahat ng mga pamilya na most affected ng bagyo. Nasa 396 families with 1,234 individuals po ang lumikas.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties and no damages to properties in the town.
DMC was committed to extending assistance to the residents of Dinapigue who were to bear the brunt of the onslaught of the Ompong. Preparations actually began even before Ompong hit.
As early as September 13 -five days before the expected arrival of the typhoon -- a decision was made at the NAC Head Office by NAC President Dennis Zamora and NAC VP for Project Development and Research Rolly Cruz to pro-actively prepare for the worst and get supplies ready because weather bulletins consistently warned of the strength and danger that the super typhoon posed to the communities on its path.
After obtaining an initial approval of P1 Million to be spent for food items, Purchasing in turn swung into action to order the items and engage a logistics company to get the goods delivered at the earliest opportunity once the typhoon had passed.
Relief packs with sardines, noodles, box of biscuits, rice and 6L water were distributed by DMC to the evacuees.
Edwin Angara, a local resident of Dinapigue, was one of many who expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by DMC.
“Hindi po namin inaasahan ang tulong na ito, napakalaking halaga po nito lalo na po ilang araw kaming hindi makakapangisda. Maraming Salamat po sa Nickela Asia Corporation at Dinapigue Mining Corp. dahil kami po ay nakatanggap ng rasyon na maari naming magamit habang inaayos namin ang aming mga hanapbuhay,”said Angara.
While locals of Dinapigue are resilient in overcoming disasters - living as they do in a town where reality of life means having to brace for at least ten typhoons a year -- the knowledge that the men and women of DMC are on hand to stand with them come hell or (literally!) high water provides an incalculable source of strength for moments such as these.
"Ditoy Dinapigue, Sabali Kami" indeed!
