P66 M released for Calapan dikes

BAGUIO CITY — President Arroyo said yesterday the Department of Budget and Management has released P66 million for the repair of protective dikes in flood-hit Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro.

Thousands of Calapan residents had to evacuate recently as the dikes protecting the city from flash floods had not been repaired.

The President said she has also instructed retired Gen. Glenn Rabonza, executive director of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, to provide more support for flood-threatened areas.

Mrs. Arroyo will fly to Isabela today to check the local disaster preparedness program.

According to the President, the flood-threatened areas in the country are those in the eastern seawall — Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, up to Eastern Samar — as well as the Agusan, Surigao and Davao provinces.

"Weather permitting, I asked Gen. Rabonza to arrange for us to fly to Isabela so we can meet the NDCC there," Mrs. Arroyo said.

The President said temporary repairs on the protective dikes in Calapan City were underway and that power has been restored.