• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents of seven local government units (LGUs) in northern Negros affected by Severe Tropical Storm Basyang and a shear line in February will receive P10 million in financial assistance from Malacañang.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday, May 13 that the fund donated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be used for relief and recovery efforts in communities that suffered from heavy rains and flooding.
The affected LGUs are the cities of Sagay, Escalante, Cadiz, Talisay as well as the municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava and E.B. Magalona.
Diaz identified Sagay as the hardest-hit area, with about 6,700 residents affected by the flooding and severe weather condition.
He said the provincial government is currently consolidating reports from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to determine how the assistance will be distributed.
“We will sit down on how to use it,” Diaz said, adding that provincial officials will also consult affected LGUs regarding the form of aid they prefer. “Will it be cash, goods or food or whatever it is, we will have to come to an agreement.”
Diaz said the proposed utilization of the assistance fund will be presented to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for approval and implementation. | GB
