The city government is distributing rice assistance to all registered Bacolod residents following its declaration of a state of calamity, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said Tuesday, September 5.
The city government has allocated P40 million in aid to the victims of Typhoon “Goring” in Bacolod City.
Benitez said the entire Bacolod was affected by the “Goring” induced rains and floods so rice assistance of 2 kilos each will be distributed to every registered city resident.
The more than 344,000 beneficiaries will be based on the COMELEC list of registered voters. Those not on that list can present two valid government identification cards to avail of the assistance, he said.
The distribution will be done by the Department of Social Services and Development at schools. All candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls will not be allowed to enter the distribution areas, Benitez said.
The tentative date for distribution in September 9 and 10, he said, adding that the city government has purchased about 14,000 sacks of rice.
The city government for the past week has distributed food packs to affected individuals, especially those who sought shelter at evacuation centers, Benitez said.
The “Goring” floods affected 91,542 Bacolod residents, while 32 houses were destroyed and 186 were damaged, City Social Welfare Officer Sally Abelarde said.
Those with destroyed houses will receive P15,000 each in assistance from the city government, and those with damaged houses will get P10,000 each, Abelarde said.
Meanwhile, the city government is taking steps to prevent future flooding, Benitez said.
He noted that the flooding was mainly caused by siltation and garbage in the city’s rivers and creeks.
Dredging and clearing of waterways will be conducted, he said.
They are also studying putting up pumping stations and floodgates to prevent flooding, especially during high tide, Benitez said.
Underground water reservoirs are also being eyed, he said.*