Disaster council asked to shed light on adoption of Palo

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council requested the presence of  the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to shed light on the city government's plan to adopt Palo, one of the areas in Leyte that was badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

Mayor Michael Rama has identified the municipality of Palo as one of the areas that suffered the brunt of the super typhoon in November 8 and has promised to help the locality in its post-recovery operations.

During the regular session of the City Council yesterday, Councilor Sisinio Andales clarified the term "adopting" or to what extent the city government will help Palo.

Councilor Margot Osmeña reacted next, asking the role of the CDRRMC in such cases. As an action, Councilor Gerardo Carillo moved to discuss the matter in an executive session scheduled on March 5, which was duly seconded by Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella.

Carillo said the local DRMMC and the Protocol Office are invited to make the assessment as far as what intervention the city can make. "And to be able to know the steps and actions that will be taken by the city," said Carillo.

In an interview, Carillo said that as per directive of Rama, they will lay down certain rules and procedures in adopting a locality.

"And if we are going to adopt, is there a monetary amount that will be involved or will there be reinforcements from the city, or mu-participate ba 'ta in rebuilding the area, and so on and so forth," the Councilor explained.

Aside from Carillo and Abella, the resolution was proposed by Councilors Dave Tumulak, Mary Ann Delos Santos, and James Anthony Cuenco.

The councilors will be visiting the typhoon-hit areas particularly Palo and gather information about the municipality to know what programs and mechanisms to provide to facilitate the speedy recovery of Palo.

"The city's focus is to provide equipment to rebuild the homes of the typhoon victims, as well as extend whatever assistance the victims might need to recover from the traumatic experience," the resolution read.

Further, the city will also urge the national government to provide livelihood training and programs for the displaced residents. — (FREEMAN)