The provincial government of Negros Occidental received P131-million in assistance from the national government to help residents of typhoon-affected cities and towns.
John Leo Solinap, National Housing Authority –Region 6 chief corporate attorney, and Engr. Liezl Miquit, NHA-Negros Occidental District officer-in-charge, turned over P90 million in financial aid to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City Dec. 29, witnessed by some local chief executives.
Lacson said the provincial government was also notified by the Bureau of Treasury of an additional P41 million, on top of financial assistance that will be downloaded to the accounts of local government units of the province.
Almost two weeks after Typhoon Odette brought massive devastation to Negros Occidental, Lacson said there is an urgent need to rebuild the 190,868 damaged houses, and construct 65,871 others.
“For many of the displaced Negrense families, the trauma and suffering is unbearable,” said Lacson, who recently visited the badly-hit cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay. “It is extremely taxing for families to try rebuilding their homes, while starving and thirsty,” he stressed.
Lacson thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and the NHA for their timely response to the dire need of Negrenses to restore their homes.
“In a year of unprecedented threats to humanity, we are grateful to everyone who extended assistance and help. However, a lot of Negrenses still need emergency help, such as power and food, aside from shelter,” Lacson said.
“While the year 2021 opened with massive flooding in the 3rd District, and ended with the massive typhoon, with the COVID-19 pandemic in between, we were able to respond to the need or situation that was presented to us,” he added.
He rallied local chief executives to continue enhancing coordination, and to ensure a systematic distribution of assistance to their constituents. — GB
