BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental provincial government has distributed at least PHP60 million worth of housing materials to families affected by Typhoon Odette in the southern part of the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said part of this is the PHP8.6-million assistance he turned over to Hinigaran town on Thursday.
Beneficiaries received 14,900 corrugated galvanized iron (GI) sheets and 2,500 banana seedlings during the turnover rites held at the Pahilanga National High School covered court.
Lacson said the province’s relief operations in the southern municipality is the last before the local campaign kicks off on March 25.
“After the campaign period, if there is more to give, we will continue. Yes, this is the last day as Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules disallows us to continue with (this) help for social services,” he told reporters.
Lacson also said once the National Housing Authority (NHA) gives the province the go-signal to release aid to typhoon-hit Negrenses, he will not participate in the activity.
“Just to be fair, if the NHA will allow us to distribute, I will not be present. So I will not be accused of taking advantage of the resources of NHA for my campaign,” he added.
The provincial government has received financial aid worth PHP90 million from the NHA to help rebuild homes of Negrenses damaged by “Odette” last December 16.
Earlier, Lacson turned over housing materials and food assistance to residents of the sixth district, including those from the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay as well as the municipalities of Ilog, Candoni, Cauayan, and Hinobaan.
Typhoon Odette severely affected the southern localities, particularly these six areas, where residents experienced strong winds, heavy rains, and widespread floods. (PNA)
