DENR-7 submits P35M rehab, recovery plan

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of  Environment and Natural Resources-7 has earmarked P10.5 million for Cebu for the rehabilitation and recovery program after the super typhoon Yolanda.

The amount is part of the P35.4 million total budget for areas in Central Visayas that were hit by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda last year.

DENR-7 regional executive director Isabelo Montejo submitted the proposed budget under its 2014 Work and Financial Plan for the rehabilitation program.

The entire amount, wherein P16.9 million is allocated for Bohol, P6.1 million for Negros Oriental and P1.8 million for Siquijor, however is still subject or approval by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Page. 

Montejo, in his submitted proposed work and financial plan, areas affected by the earthquake and typhoon hit areas are the priority areas for the implementation of  various recovery programs.

These recovery programs include mangrove rehabilitation, plantation establishment and beach type forest plantation.

“Through these proposed programs, we hope to restore our devastated mangrove plantations and put up new plantations to areas identified as vulnerable to landslide, flooding and most importantly storm surges,” said Montejo in a statement.

The DENR-7 has released an initial amount of P20 million to the affected areas in northern Cebu used for the Cash-for-Work Program.

The said amount was also utilized for the assessment and establishment of the 85-hectares of mangrove plantations in Camotes Island, Bantayan Island, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Borbon and Bogo City. (FREEMAN)