Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Department of Education (DEPEd) Secretary Sonny Angara led relief operations in typhoon-affected communities across Negros Occidental on Tuesday and announced an immediate P95 million in financial assistance from the President for rehabilitation efforts.
Representing the President in on-ground coordination with local government units (LGUs) in the Negros Island Region (NIR), Frasco announced the aid would support recovery in Negros Occidental.
The President approved P50 million for Negros Occidental, P10 million each for La Carlota City and the municipalities of La Castellana and Moises Padilla and P5 million each for Binalbagan, Isabela and Hinigaran.
“We hope that through the President’s act of sending his Cabinet members, you will remember that you are not alone in your hardship,” Frasco said during the ceremonial distribution in La Carlota City.
“The national government is here, together with your local government, from the province to the local level, all government agencies are here to help you until you are able to rise again,” she said.
The two cabinet officials distributed family food packs, family kits and hygiene kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to families in evacuation centers and municipalities. The Department of Health (DOH) provided 100 jerrycans and medicine boxes, while the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) contributed 25 shelter-grade tarpaulins to each locality.
Frasco also inspected damaged infrastructure and residential areas, including the Biao spillway in Binalbagan, a significant access and tourism road. She also visited Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. National High School, which sustained extensive flooding and damage to learning materials.
