Yolanda areas get P26 B in total aid – DBM

MANILA, Philippines - The national government poured a total of P26 billion in financial aid into provinces and communities devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, a Cabinet official said yesterday.

Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio Abad said the amount includes the P5.2 billion they released for the agriculture component of the rehabilitation program.

“As of March 10, P26 billion has been mobilized for post-disaster projects and activities in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” the DBM said in a press statement.

Abad said they have released P1.05 billion to the Department of Agriculture for projects under the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) program.

The latest funding, sourced from the 2013 supplemental appropriations, is in line with the government’s continuing post-calamity rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.

Abad said the fund would allow the DA to clear and desilt Yolanda-hit regions and provide farm tools and machines, seeds, fertilizers and fuel subsidies to farmers.

Among the beneficiaries are those in Regions IV-B (MIMAROPA), V (Bicol Region), VI (Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), and IX (Zamboanga Peninsula).

“The administration and affected local government units are working together to ensure progress for the post-calamity efforts in Yolanda-stricken areas,” Abad said.