Makati City okays release of P4 million for 'Sendong' victims

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City Council approved on Tuesday the release of P4 million for the victims of tropical storm “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete City and Iligan City.

Makati Mayor Erwin Binay said the P4 million to be sourced from the city’s 2011 budget will be used to buy relief goods.

Binay thanked the councilors for acting with dispatch on his request for the approval of an appropriation ordinance to donate to the ongoing relief efforts for flood victims.

He also urged barangay leaders to encourage their constituents to donate used clothing, blankets and mats.

“We are counting on our barangay leaders to galvanize our residents into action and contribute to our ongoing efforts to collect clothes and other essential materials urgently needed by our typhoon-stricken kababayans,” he said.

Acting City Administrator Marjorie de Veyra has mobilized the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) to set up a central drop-off point of relief items on the second floor lobby of the old Makati City Hall. 

De Veyra said donations may also be brought at the barangay halls.

She said 20,000 bags containing rice, bottled mineral water and canned goods will be initially distributed to 10,000 families in Cagayan de Oro, 5,000 families in Iligan, and 5,000 families in Dumaguete.