DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The City Government will be giving disaster assistance for earthquake-affected residents of the Municipality of Igbayat, Batanes.
In the 19th regular session last Tuesday, the Council approved the disaster assistance amounting to Php 1 million for the Municipality of Igbayat, Province of Batanes which was recently declared under the State of Calamity.
Alfredo Baloran, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head said the funds will come from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund of the City Government.
“We will be giving financial aid to the people of Batanes after the earthquake,” said Baloran.
The City will not be sending food packs to Batanes as Baloran said financial assistance to purchase materials for shelter is the priority request based on the letter of the local government of Batanes.
In a letter to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio through City Administrator Atty. Zulieka Lopez, the CDRRMO recommended the allocation of funds for the victims of the earthquake. The magnitude 5.4 earthquake, with twin 5.9 earthquakes that followed, affected 1,025 families with nine casualties and 64 injuries.
“The instruction from the Office of the City Mayor is to deliver it immediately,” said Baloran.
Currently, the CDRRMO has a remaining disaster fund of Php 105 Million.
Under the Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the local government shall set aside not less than five percent of the estimated revenue of the regular sources for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. (davaotoday.com)
