'Ramil' relief, recovery efforts continue in Capiz

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Residents still recovering from the devastation brought by Tropical Storm Ramil here continue to benefit from relief and rehabilitation efforts from various branches of the government.

The Department of Agriculture, for instance, said is preparing the distribution of rice seeds and other forms of assistance under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, as well as crop insurance for qualified farmers.

For its part, the Department of Health (DOH) along with hospitals in the province remain on full alert to address urgent medical needs. 

The DOH said it has dispatched medical supplies and medicines, including 85,000 capsules of Doxycycline Hyclate, 2,000 tablets of Troclosene Sodium, and hygiene and mental health kits.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has provided P20.74 million worth of aid, consisting of 24,809 family food packs and 1,858 ready-to-eat meals. The agency added that it maintains P3 million in standby funds and a P63.34 million stockpile of goods ready for additional needs.

In terms of infrastructure restoration, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that all five national roads affected in Capiz are now passable to all types of vehicles, while a thorough assessment of infrastructure damage continues. 

The agency added that no damage has been reported on national roads, bridges, flood control structures, or government-owned buildings.

The Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration, through the Capiz Electric Cooperative Inc., have also confirmed the full restoration of power in the province.

In the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it has completed a rapid damage assessment in schools across Roxas City. It has identified 146 classrooms totally damaged, 64 with major damage, and 312 with minor damage, along with 11 damaged water and sanitation facilities. 

DepEd said it is now facilitating the release of funds for cleanup operations and minor repairs.

For residents who lost their homes, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development said it has distributed 250 shelter-grade tarpaulins. The agency added that coordination with local governments is ongoing to validate beneficiaries eligible for the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. assured Capiz residents that government assistance will continue until the province fully recovers.

“You have not been forgotten by the President. We are here to personally see your condition and to make sure that your needs reach him and the Cabinet right away,” Lagdameo, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said during his visit to Capiz on Thursday.