86 Capitol workers get help over Yolanda

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol has extended relief assistance to at least 86 of its employees who are victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office acting head Evelyn Senajon said the employees concerned received the packs of goods last Friday. Each of them received 20 kilos of rice, 20 cans of sardines and 10 one-liter bottles of water.

Lawyer Ramil Abing, chief of staff of the office of the governor, said Governor Hilario Davide III issued a memorandum last week asking the Capitol department heads to identify the members of their staff whose families were affected by the typhoon.

Of the 86 employees identified, two have families in Ormoc City and Tacloban City that received relief assistance.

Meanwhile, the Capitol is set to start next week the gift-giving to children in areas affected by the typhoon.

Senajon said the team will distribute in Camotes Island on the first week of December, Bantayan Island on the second week, and in 15 affected localities in mainland Cebu the third week. To be distributed are the donated biscuits, candies and panties for children.

Senajon said the 5,200 packs of biscuits from China are not enough for distribution to the local government prompting them to include the same in the gift-giving project. Other items from China to be distributed to 15 local government units are tents, frames and towels.

Senajon said each LGU will get 30 sets of tents and frames and 22 cartoons containing 20 pieces each that are reportedly blanket-sized. — (FREEMAN)