Gov't to release 2nd batch of Yolanda rehab fund

MANILA, Philippines - Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas has appealed to local government executives in Western Visayas to immediately accomplish all projects under the first batch of the Recovery Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) Funds so the second batch of the rehabilitation fund can be released to the barangays.

During a recent consultative meeting with local officials, Roxas discussed the various issues and concerns regarding the "Yolanda" rehabilitation efforts in the region and to promptly address them.

Upon the first release of RAY-DILG, more than P27 million was allocated to Aklan, almost P25 million to Antique, more than P66 million to Capiz, and about P79 million for Iloilo. The funds were part of the RAY-batch 1, with a total of more than P1.74 billion.

The second batch of RAY funds amounts to P1.57 billion, allocated for the rehabilitation and repair of 3,688 barangay facilities, such as barangay halls, daycare centres and civic centers in 2,798 barangays.

Also present during the meeting were mayors of Panay Island and Governors Florencio Miraflores of Aklan, Exequiel Javier of Antique, Victor Tanco Sr. of Capiz, and Arthur Defensor Sr. of Iloilo.