ILOILO – The provincial government is processing the release of cash aid to provinces severely affected by typhoons that struck the country this November.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said this is a response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for government offices and employees to scale down Christmas parties and conduct donation drives for typhoon victims.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to identify the provinces most severely impacted by the calamities.
An initial allocation of P8 million has been earmarked for assistance, but Defensor hinted at the possibility of increasing this amount.
“We will prioritize small provinces in dire need of help. We cannot assist everyone, but we will ensure that aid reaches those who need it the most,” Defensor said.
President Marcos, during the 49th National Prayer Breakfast at Malacañang on November 18, urged Filipinos to extend their blessings to typhoon victims.
“I hope that somehow, the things we intend as Christmas presents, let us just give these to those affected as they are suffering,” the President said.
Tropical cyclones “Nika,” “Ofel,” and “Pepito” recently placed 20 cities and municipalities in Luzon under a state of calamity, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
These storms caused an estimated P469 million in infrastructure damage and P8.6 million in agricultural losses.
Earlier cyclones “Kristine,” “Leon,” and “Marce” also devastated communities, with “Kristine” alone leaving over 100 people dead and displacing more than 761,000 individuals./PN
