Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has directed the immediate release of P13.8 million in shelter assistance to Negrenses whose houses were destroyed by Typhoon Odette.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) approved the use of the P13.8 million to be sourced from the DRRM Trust Fund on Tuesday, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Wednesday, January 5.
The PDRRMC also approved the proposed allocation of P500 million in assistance for the victims of Typhoon Odette and other disasters.
Diaz said the governor opted to use the DRRM Trust Fund so that it can address the urgent needs of residents whose houses were destroyed.
While the Bureau of the Treasury has downloaded P41 million to the provincial government and the National Housing Authority has allocated P90 million for typhoon relief, numerous requirements may delay the release of such funds, Diaz said.
“We cannot wait,” he said, stressing that the needs of those whose houses were destroyed is urgent.
The P13.8 million will be used to provide each family who lost their homes to the typhoon with six corrugated GI sheets, two flat GI sheets, food and financial assistance, Diaz said.
Diaz said P5,000 each will be allocated for more than 2,000 beneficiaries whose houses have been destroyed.
The provincial government used the P50 million it earlier allocated for the purchase of roofing materials for those whose houses were destroyed by the typhoon, Diaz said.
He said it is difficult to source roofing materials because factories in Cebu, hampered by the lack of power, have been unable to produce more.
The provincial government is set to deliver assistance directly to the typhoon affected barangays, he said.*