Iloilo to aid Concepcion residents after storm damage

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government has announced assistance for residents of Concepcion after strong waves and heavy rains caused an estimated PHP 15.4 million in damage to fishing boats, houses, agriculture, and coastal infrastructure over the weekend.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office spokesperson Mia Resano said the provincial government received a request for assistance from the Concepcion local government, prompting the immediate preparation of rice and food packs for affected families.

Resano said the province will also extend cash assistance, subject to validation by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to determine the extent of damage and identify eligible beneficiaries.

Data from the Concepcion Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed that weather conditions brought by the northeast monsoon damaged 216 fishing boats and 58 houses in the coastal municipality.

Municipal DRRMO head John Bryan Gabayeron said a high tide reaching up to 1.9 meters, combined with a localized thunderstorm and squall between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Jan. 3, caused extensive damage in one mainland barangay and 11 island barangays.

Of the affected fishing boats, 44 were totally destroyed while 172 sustained partial damage.

Thirty houses were totally damaged, while 28 were partially damaged in the barangays of Dungon, Polopina, Lo-ong, and Botlog.

Damage to fishing boats was estimated at PHP 10.6 million, while losses to houses reached PHP 1.9 million.

An additional PHP 950,000 in damage was recorded to shoreline protection structures, ports, and seawalls.

The agriculture sector also sustained losses estimated at nearly PHP 2 million.

Gabayeron said relief operations are being fast-tracked to ensure the immediate distribution of food packs to affected families.

He added that the municipal council has requested financial assistance from Iloilo 5th District Rep. Binky Tupas to support recovery efforts.