P2B for Yolanda LGUs to be released soon

CEBU, Philippines - Mayors of towns in northern Cebu hit by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 can heave a sigh of relief now that the P2 billion aid for shelter from the government is now with the Department of Welfare and Development 7.

Fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia turned over the money to DSWD-7 Director Mercedita Jabagat last Friday.

 “Nag-paabot nalang ta og kanus-a kita paadtuon sa ilang buhatan aron pagdawat sa tseke aron ikapanghatag na sa mga biktima,” said Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez.

 Jabagat announced that mayors can get their respective checks at her office this week.

 Salimbangon earlier urged the mayors to release the financial assistance to recipients immediately after the turnover.

 “Ato ning klaruhon pag-ayo nga sa oras madawat nato ang kantidad, ato dayun ning ipanghatag sa way paglangay-langay ngadto sa mga hingtungdan busa gamay nalang panahon ang atong agwantahon kay kompirmado na sa DSWD nga naa na nila ang salapi,” Ramirez said.

 Ramirez said he has been receiving numerous complaints over the delay in the release of the aid, which has now reached over a year.

 Ramirez said the mayors are even accused of withholding the assistance.

 Daanbantayan will get the biggest share amounting to P425 million while Bantayan will get P375 million. Bogo City and Medellin will have P283 million and P211 million, respectively.

 Madridejos and San Remegio are allotted P125 million and P188 million, respectively, while Tabogon and Sta. Fe town will each get P103 million and P95 million. Borbon town will P99 million.

 These nine LGUs were among the 16 areas identified as badly hit by Yolanda in November 2013. Salimbangon said the other towns that are not on his list like Tabuelan in his district will receive their share in the coming months.

 Jabagat said the amount was based on the number of displaced families submitted by the towns, saying those which have lesser shares this time have already received aid from DSWD last year.

 Families whose houses were destroyed by the typhoon have received P30,000 each while P10,000 was given for family whose house was damaged. —JMO (FREEMAN)