Makati allots P51 million for disaster-hit LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati government has earmarked P51 million in financial assistance for local government units (LGUs) severely affected by recent natural disasters, including typhoons and volcanic eruptions.

Mayor Abby Binay said the funding would be distributed to 83 municipalities and cities, with amounts ranging from P250,000 to P1 million, depending on the severity of the damage sustained.

“The City of Makati stands in solidarity with the victims of the recent (Severe) Tropical Storm Kristine and other disasters, which occurred this year,” Binay said in a statement. “We remain firm in our commitment to sharing our resources to help affected localities recover and build back better.”

Of the total amount, P21.75 million will be allocated to 34 LGUs severely impacted by Kristine. Among the biggest recipients are Legazpi City and Libon in Albay, as well as several towns in Camarines Sur, each receiving P1 million.

Other municipalities in Albay and Camarines Sur will get varying amounts, depending on the extent of the damage, with some receiving P750,000 or P500,000 in aid.

Makati has also set aside P3.5 million for six LGUs affected by Tropical Cyclone Julian in Ilocos Norte.

Laoag City will receive P1 million while Bacarra and Paoay will get P750,000 each. Smaller amounts will be allocated to other affected towns.

In addition to the financial assistance, Makati’s disaster risk reduction and management office has dispatched relief supplies and search-and-rescue teams with complete gear to assist in recovery operations in Batangas and the Bicol Region.

Twenty-one municipalities in Camarines Sur and Northern Samar, which were hit by Tropical Cyclone Enteng and the southwest monsoon in September, will get P11.25 million in assistance.

The amounts will vary, with P1 million for each of the most severely impacted areas, including Libmanan, Calabanga, Pili and Bula.

Makati has also provided assistance for areas affected by other weather disturbances, including Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, Helen and Igme. Financial aid is being given to municipalities in Palawan, Antique, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, La Union, Rizal and Cotabato, among others.

Two LGUs in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental affected by the Kanlaon Volcano earthquakes will receive P1.25 million in aid.

La Castella in Negros Occidental will be granted P750,000 while Kanlaon in Negros Oriental will receive P500,000.