FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (left) shaking hands. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Office of the Executive Secretary to release P4 billion from its funds to local government units (LGUs) devastated by Typhoon Odette.
The office of Senator Bong Go, Duterte’s long-time aide, on Thursday said the President likewise directed the downloading of funds to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to back the agency’s program to give P5,000 cash assistance to every household affected by the super typhoon.
“Meanwhile, the Office of the Executive Secretary is directed by President Duterte to release Php4 billion funds for typhoon-affected LGUs by Thursday or Friday,” Go’s office said in a statement.
“The President also instructed to download funds to DSWD for the P5,0000 financial assistance per family,” it added.
Duterte made the directive as he visited on Wednesday Siargao and Dinagat Islands – provinces badly hit by Odette.
He likewise asked the Department of Energy to urge gas station owners to resume operations.
The National Housing Authority and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development were also tasked to provide construction materials to typhoon victims.
On December 20, the Chief Executive talked to local leaders of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and some Cabinet members in Kabankalan City.
He assured them that the government is prepared to address the devastation caused by Odette in their areas.
Duterte distributed assistance to victims during his visits.
“Inihanda na rin ang MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority), Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force at iba pang frontliners para tumulong sa rescue and recovery operations at masigurong makakarating ang mga relief items, equipment at essential personnel sa mga apektadong lugar,” Go said.
(MARINA, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, and other fronliners are ready to help in the rescue and recovery operations and to ensure that relief items, equipment and essential personnel will reach affected areas.)
The President has recently declared a state of calamity in areas affected by Typhoon Odette, particularly Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.
Odette, which international name is Rai, is reportedly the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year.
RELATED STORIES
Duterte to raise P10B for rehab, recovery efforts in ‘Odette’-affected areas
Duterte’s office to provide assistance to victims of Typhoon Odette