Cong. Egdar Chatto (middle) was with Israeli Deputy Ambassador Nir Barzam (right) and Gov. Art Yap (left) on Dec. 22, 2021. The Israeli Government has turned over to the province a filtration device and some food packs. Contributed photo

Cong. Edgar Chatto called on the national government’s major relief arm, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to simplify procedures and protocol in the release of family food packs and other forms of assistance to typhoon victims.

Chatto called on DSWD USec. FelBodiongan and Region 7 assistant regional director Shalaine Lucero upon receiving information regarding on the documentation process before assistance is released.

“We are in extraordinary circumstance which requires extraordinary response. Time is of the essence to save lives,” the solon said.

Chatto is very concerned that after the meeting between the mayors and Gov. Arthur Yap, the local chief executives reported the urgent need for food specially in the island barangays where mobility has been hampered.

Documentation compliance by many local government unit (LGU) have also faced hurdles with the absence of internet connection.

To date, the province of Bohol led by Yap has been steadily receiving aid from the DSWD, Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and other relief agencies who have assured Bohol of their full support in this time of need.

Meanwhile, on Dec. 22, 2021, Chatto was with Yap to meet Israeli Deputy Ambassador Nir Barzam. Barzam turned over a manual water filtration device, solar panels, and some food packs.

The solon also met officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which supports the province’s relief operations.

Chatto also asked PCG for its support for the transport of fuel, a foremost necessity in relief operations.

 The province remains without power, with National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and distribution utilities still undertaking repairs and restoration works, as of this writing.