QC dad proposes P1-M aid to quake victims

MANILA, Philippines - A Quezon City councilor has filed a resolution authorizing Mayor Herbert Bautista to extend P1 million in financial assistance to the victims of the magnitude-7.2 earthquake in the Visayas on Tuesday.

District 6 councilor Donato Matias said that a local disaster risk reduction and management council may transfer funds to support the work of other LDRRMC in areas declared under state of calamity.

“The provinces of Bohol and Cebu were both declared under the state of calamity on Oct. 15, 2013 and directed all departments and government agencies to implement and execute medical assistance, relief and rehabilitation work,” said Matias in his proposed resolution.

“To date, the affected areas are still experiencing aftershocks and a total of 2,553 families are currently displaced and residing in evacuation centers,” he added.

As of noon Thursday, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that 158 people died from the incident. Another 374 people were injured.

Once approved, the resolution would allow Bautista to extend P1 million in financial support to the victims of the earth quake.

Part of the fund will also be used to support the relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for provinces affected by the quake.

The budget will be taken from the Quezon City’s disaster risk reduction and management fund or any other available fund from the local government.