Calamity fund readied for relief, rehab works at sitio Mahayahay

With the Cebu City council's declaration in yesterday's session of sitio Mahayahay Dos, barangay Pasil under a state of calamity, the calamity fund will now be utilized for the relief operation and rehabilitation efforts of the affected families.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, chairman of social services, said the declaration of state of calamity to said affected area is "necessary for the release of calamity funds to augment local funds in the relief and rehabilitation efforts."

Section 324 of Republic Act 7160 provides that "five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as annual lump sum appropriation for relief and other works and services in connection with calamities which may occur during the budget year."

Carillo said the code also defines calamity as a "state of extreme distress or misfortune produced by some adverse circumstance or event or any great misfortune or loss of misery caused by natural or man-made disaster."

Last Monday morning, 409 people and 79 families were left homeless after the densely populated area went up in smoke.

The city fire department is looking into the possibility of an electrical short circuit and also checking on the reports regarding the fuel business of a certain Gaudencio Quirante, Sr. There were reports that Quirante allegedly stores fuel in his house.

City social welfare officer Cathy Yso said the city is expecting to release close to a million in calamity funds including house materials and food assistance to the victims. - Garry B. Lao