PHP 10-million Malacañang aid still unused, mayor say

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Añejo Nicor of La Castellana, Negros Occidental assured town residents that the PHP 10 million assistance from Malacañang remains intact and cannot yet be used as the municipality continues to comply with all required national procedures before the funds can be utilized.

It can be recalled that the town, among the worst hit by Typhoon Tino, received PHP 10 million from the PHP 45 million assistance fund released by Malacan̈ang during the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos in the town last November 15, 2025.

Nicor, who attended the Provincial Development Council meeting held at the provincial capitol, told reporters Wednesday that the amount is currently with the Sangguniang Bayan for approval.

Once endorsed, he said the allocation will be forwarded to the Office of the President for confirmation.

Mayor Añejo emphasized the need to correct public misconceptions, particularly among affected families who believed that the PHP 10,000 and PHP 5,000 aid for totally and partially damaged houses would come from the PHP 10 million fund.

“That is not the case,” he clarified. “The ₱10,000 and ₱5,000 assistance will come from DSWD. Your names are already in their database. Please wait patiently — that assistance is already intended for you.”

The mayor also addressed concerns regarding no-build zones along the riverbank and confirmed that relocation sites will be provided for displaced residents.

He appealed for continued patience and understanding as the LGU works “around the clock” to support recovery efforts.

The PHP 10 million, he explained, cannot be touched yet because several documentary requirements still need to be completed.

After fulfilling these, the LGU must return the documents to Malacan̈ang for validation before the funds are sent back to the municipality for use.

Mayor Añejo added that the final allocation plan for the PHP 10 million will depend on the LGU’s assessment of urgent needs.

He said possible allocations include fuel assistance, road diversion works, and food support.

“The LGU is not focusing on just one form of aid. We want to address all critical needs as much as possible,” he said.

To formalize the municipality’s intended use of the funds, a Sangguniang Resolution will be forwarded to the Office of the President to ensure transparency and clarity on how the Malacan̈ang assistance will be spent.

The mayor reiterated his administration’s commitment to helping the community recover swiftly and responsibly, saying, “We are doing everything we can for our people.”