BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental will receive an additional P45 million in assistance from the national government for local government units (LGUs) severely affected by recent typhoons.
In a statement from the provincial government, it was announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the release of a Presidential Assistance Fund amounting to P45 million for typhoon-hit LGUs in the province.
Under the allocation, P10 million each will go to La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla, while P5 million each will be granted to Binalbagan, Isabela, and Hinigaran.
This financial aid comes on top of the P50 million previously allocated by the national government for provincial typhoon response and rehabilitation efforts.
Leading the national government’s relief operations in Negros Occidental on November 11 were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who represented the President during their visit to affected areas.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson accompanied the officials during their on-site visits to several towns and cities in the 5th District, one of the areas hardest hit by the recent typhoons.
During the visit, the Department of Health (DOH) also turned over P196,000 worth of medicines and health commodities, including supplies for leptospirosis, hypertension maintenance drugs, vitamins, and water containers for safe storage.
Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) provided 100 shelter-grade tarpaulins donated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USAID.
Among the sites inspected to assess the extent of the damage were the Biao Spillway in Binalbagan, Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. National High School in Moises Padilla, and the Buhangin River “Wipe-Out Bridge” in La Castellana, among others.
The additional funding is expected to accelerate ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that the most affected LGUs can rebuild and restore essential services in their communities./PN
