Typhoon-hit areas to get P12M aid

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has approved a P12 million financial assistance to the Province of Cebu and its neighboring provinces in the Visayas that were greatly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

The council also declared the city under a state of calamity because of the damages it also suffered from the typhoon.

“The Quick Response Fund will be utilized for relief operations and rehabilitation of the destroyed areas in various towns and municipalities,” said Councilor Gerardo Carillo, author of the resolution.

The council identified the towns and provinces that were greatly ruined by “Yolanda” which need the financial assistance.

At least P6 million will be given to the Northern Cebu and P6 million will be allocated to the neighboring regions. P1 million each for Medellin and DaanBantayan; P500 thousand each for San Remigio,  Bogo, Sta. Fe, Madridejos, Tabogon and Bantayan Island; and P200 thousand for Borbon.

The towns of  Pilar, San Francisco, Tudela and Poro in the island of Camotes will be given P200 thousand each.

The council has agreed to also extend assistance to the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Iloilo,  Coron Palawan, Negros Occidental and Capiz. P1 million each for Ormoc and Tacloban, and P500 thousand each for the municipalities of  Palo, Palompon, and Isabel in Leyte.

Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Coron Palawan, Negros Occidental and Capiz will also receive P500,000 each. 

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama commended the council for their immediate action and for taking cognizance of the grievous situation.

“I commend the city council for being one of us in this time of calamity and for having a collaborative efforts for things to be rightly attended,” Rama said.

“I’m happy because they are also concern with the people outside our jurisdiction.  With the united efforts, we will respond to our neighboring cities, provinces and regions,” Rama added.

On the other hand, the city council is urging the companies and cargo forwarders deliver relief goods to typhoon-hit areas for free. Gothong Southern Shipping immediately responded to the call and offered to transport all relief goods to Tacloban City for free.  Ruth Pelletin, GS marketing assistant, said that their vessel, MV Don Alfredo Sr. (DAS) 1, will leave the Cebu Port at noontime on Wednesday, November 13.

Pharmacies, drugstores and water refilling stations are likewise urged to donate or give price discounts on essential first aid medicines and multi-vitamins. 

Hardware and construction companies are also asked to donate and give discount on the purchase of construction materials.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas yesterday distributed relief goods to typhoon victims in northern Cebu.

DepEd-7 Director Carmelita Dulangon led her staff in the distribution of the assistance in Bogo City.

She said that all DepEd superintendents are supposed to have trainings in Baguio City but opted not to go to help the typhoon victims.  (FREEMAN)