City gov’t extends P2.7-M aid to earthquake-hit LGUs in Mindanao

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

The Iloilo City government allotted P2.7 million as financial assistance to nine local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao that were severely affected by recent earthquakes.

According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) approved on Wednesday a resolution on the cash assistance to the earthquake-hit LGUs.

“Gin-approve na namon ang resolution for the financial assistance but we will have to wait for the approval of the City Council,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

Kidapawan City, Digos City, Makilala, Tulunan and M’lang in North Cotabato;  Bansalan, Matanao, Magsaysay, and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur will each receive P300,000 cash assistance from the city government.

“Each of them will receive P300,000 so multiplied by nine that would be P2.7 million in total. We will give as soon as the council approves it,” the mayor added.

Aside from financial assistance, Treñas said the city government is also preparing other donations for the earthquake victims such as jerry cans, blankets, hygiene kits, tents, and food packs.

The mayor said the budget for the financial assistance will be sourced from the city’s calamity funds.

In a span of three days, some areas in Mindanao were rocked by three strong earthquakes – magnitude 6.3 on Oct 16, magnitude 6.6 on Oct 29, and magnitude 6.5 on Oct 31.