Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Monday said the city government will extend financial assistance worth P21.5 Million to 36 local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao which were devastated by strong earthquakes and severe flooding last year.
The mayor said the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Makati has approved the allocation of amounts ranging from P250,000 to P1 million for each LGU, depending on the severity of the damage incurred.
“We understand the challenges faced by these LGUs, especially during these difficult times. We hope that the financial assistance from the city will help them recover and rebuild their communities,” Binay said.
She also urged fellow mayors throughout the country to “invest in climate-proof, disaster-ready and resilient infrastructure as they rebuild.”
The mayor noted that only five out of the 36 LGUs are sister-municipalities of Makati.
The mayor revealed plans of the city to include satellite imaging service as an additional form of assistance for selected disaster-stricken LGUs. It will be useful in disaster management, particularly in the assessment of vulnerabilities and risks and the extent and severity of damage in the affected area, she said.
Based on the guidelines for financial assistance enacted through City Ordinance No. 2017-006, nine LGUs will receive P1 Million each, while the rest will be distributed as follows: P750,000 for seven LGUs; P500,000 for nine LGUs, and 250,000 for 11 LGUs.
The city has earmarked a total of P8,750,000 for 17 municipalities of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar severely inundated due to the combined effects of shear lines and low-pressure area last November. These are Lapinig, Catarman, Lope de Vega, San Roque, Las Navas, Rosario, Catubig, Pambujan, Palapag, Mondragon, Laoang, Silvino Lobos, and Bobon of Northern Samar, and Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, and Oras of Eastern Samar.
For 18 localities in Surigao del Sur severely affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake last December 2, the city has allocated P12,500,000. These are Barobo, Bayabas, Bislig, Cagwait, Carmen, Carrascal, Cortes, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Lianga, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, San Miguel, Tagbina, Tago, and Tandag.
The municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province that was affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake last November 17 will also receive P250,000.
The financial assistance will be sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund – Quick Response Fund of the approved Executive Budget for calendar year 2023.
The Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act of 2010 states that the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council allows the transfer of funds to support other local government units upon its recommendation.