Cebu City to give P300,000 to St. Bernard

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government extends a helping hand to the Municipality of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte where hundreds of families lost their homes due to the flooding and landslide caused by continuous rains.

Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said the City will extend P300,000 in financial assistance to St. Bernard following the appeal of Mayor Rico Rentuza for water and medicines.

A state of calamity has already been declared in the municipality, which will allow the town to use the funds allotted for emergencies. But Rentuza said their money is not enough to help everyone affected by the floods and landslides.

Rama instructed his team to prepare the monetary aid to be given to the town so that St. Bernard could immediately use this. The assistance will be charged against his discretionary funds.

The Cebu Provincial Government has already responded to the call of the town. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said she has already instructed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to assess the extent of the damage in St. Bernard to determine the amount of help that could be given.

In 2008, the Province of Cebu extended P1 million to the Province of Southern Leyte as financial assistance following a landslide that killed nearly 2,000 people. The Province also sent dump trucks, backhoes, and support personnel who assisted in the clearing up operations.

Last Sunday, a landslide hit the town. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report confirmed three deaths in St. Bernard. (FREEMAN)