TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The provincial government here announced that Governor Alexander Pimentel has ordered the cancellation of Christmas parties and celebrations among local government units in the province following the devastating 7.4 earthquake last 2 December.

In a statement, the governor stressed that the provincial government is duty-bound to safeguard the welfare of the public and undertake measures to avert any untoward incidents or disasters that may be caused by earthquakes and aftershocks.

Pimentel signed Wednesday afternoon an executive order stating that the cancellation was due to the recurring tremors and aftershocks following the magnitude 7.4 tremor, adding that inspections and assessments of the structural integrity of infrastructures and facilities in the province are still ongoing, he said.

He also disclosed that all budgets for Christmas party events shall be donated to the earthquake victims in the province.

"Private companies and offices and government line agencies are given the discretion to cancel their Christmas parties, but are encouraged to do so for the safety of their employees," said Pimentel.

Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office revealed that the recent earthquake caused significant damage, resulting in P151 million in losses to government infrastructure and facilities.