Fire-hit Cogon declared under "state of calamity"

The city council declared sitio Cogon of barangay Labangon under state of calamity.

In view of the fire that hit the place last July 5, the city council adopted the proposed resolution of councilor Gerardo Carillo, chairman of the committee on social services, covering such measure during its regular session last Wednesday afternoon.

In relation to this, the proposed measure also stated that the city's calamity fund be utilized for food assistance and relief operation to victims as well as for the city's rehabilitation efforts in the affected area.

As provided for in section 324 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the 1991 Local Government Code, five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as annual lump sum appropriation for relief and other works and services in connection with calamities which may occur during the budget year.

Under the same code, calamity is defined as "a state of extreme distress or misfortune produced by some adverse circumstances or event or any great misfortune or loss or misery caused by natural or man-made disasters."

The blaze that hit sitio Cogon in barangay Labangon last July 5 razed 19 houses and damaged one. At least two people were reportedly injured. The damage to property was pegged at P250,000.