(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the release of a total of P321 million to 34 provinces and eight cities affected by Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Penha) and the shear line.
The president’s directive was issued to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who said the funds would be immediately released to the intended beneficiaries in compliance with the chief executive’s instruction.
In his directive, Marcos said the recent weather disturbances have resulted “in the displacement of a significant number of people, casualties and damage to infrastructure.”
The Office of Civil Defense has reported at least 12 fatalities in the wake of Basyang.
“In view of this, you are hereby directed to provide financial assistance to the following LGUs (local government units), subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” the president said in his order.
Provinces that will receive financial aid are Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Leyte, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon, Misamis Occidental, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Antique, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Bukidnon, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.
The city-recipients are Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Mandaue City.
Recto said the funds would enable recipient-LGUs to help their constituents who have been displaced by last month’s bad weather conditions and to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.
“The assistance would allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events. It’s part of the president’s initiatives to support LGUs and their constituents,” he said.
The executive secretary asked the recipient-LGUs to submit reports on the use of the funds.
The Marcos administration has been engaging LGUs in the implementation of national government programs.
On Wednesday, the president met with governors from provinces severely affected by Tropical Storm Basyang to ensure a coordinated and swift government response.
Aside from ordering the release of financial assistance, the president directed that river clearing operations and flood mitigation measures be undertaken to reduce the risk of future flooding and danger to communities.
Also on Wednesday, Marcos led the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education and LGUs on the nationwide classroom building program.
Instead of channeling funds through national agencies, classroom construction budgets will be directly downloaded to capable LGUs to allow faster implementation and reduce construction delays.
“By giving the LGUs a greater role in the implementation, we streamline the process. We reduce delays and move faster in building schools that our children need,” the president said.