Quake destroys 26,029 houses in Surigao

SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – A total of 26,029 houses in 53 barangays here were destroyed in the quake that hit Surigao del Norte last month, the city disaster risk reduction management council reported yesterday.

Records obtained by The STAR showed that 412 houses need total repair.  

At least 30,000 residents had sought housing assistance from the city government, Mayor Ernesto Matugas said.

“As we explained the problem regarding limited funds, they are asking about the P2 billion that President Duterte promised during his visit here,” Matugas said. 

He said the Surigao City government had so far received P3.6 million in assistance from various local governments as well as private individuals and companies.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan recently approved a resolution to donate P500,000 to quake victims.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) allocated P11.5 million in housing aid for overseas Filipino workers  (OFWs) whose families were affected by the quake.

OWWA said active members would receive P3,000 while non-active members will get P1,500.

At least 3,800 OFWs are expected to benefit from the assistance.