Additional relief center established in Negros

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 established additional Relief Operations Center in the earthquake-devastated Negros Oriental.

DSWD-7 spokesperson Jaybee Binghay said that with the second Relief Operations Center, located at the Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City near the Capitol Building, the agency hopes to improve its delivery efforts “faster, better, and more efficiently” to serve some of the affected towns situated near Dumaguete.

DSWD-7 records show that the number of individuals in the province affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake last Feb. 6 has increased to more than 230,000.

Areas to be served by the relief operations center in Dumaguete are the municipalities of Mantuyod, Bindoy, and Ayungon while the first center established in Guihulngan City serves the city itself and the towns of La Libertad, Jimalalud, and Tayasan.

Furthermore, donations within and outside the region sent via navy boats and C130 aircraft carrier may now be coursed through the relief operations center in Dumaguete.

On the other hand, Binghay said other donations and government relief supplies from the northern part of Negros Island as well as Cebu may be channeled via San Carlos City of Negros Occidental.

Last week, relief goods from DSWD-7 in Cebu City, Manila and other parts of the region were delivered via vehicle and human chain method just to meet the demands which included food, water, and other basic necessities.

This had to be done as roads at that time were not passable and affected towns had no water and electricity. Stores in the affected areas were also closed. Fortunately, towns and interior villages, which used to be inaccessible after the quake, can now be served faster and easier, Binghay said.

As of today, the DSWD has released assistance to eight towns and cities of the province amounting to more than P19 million. The goods extended last Saturday included rice, water, canned goods, used clothing, mats, blankets, slippers, detergents as well as cooking and eating utensils among others.

Binghay said relief workers at their office are continuously packing goods round the clock to meet the demands for delivery to Negros Island. (FREEMAN)