Mayor Abby Binay
MANILA, Philippines–The city government of Makati provided P47.5 million in assistance to 76 provinces, cities and municipalities affected by natural disasters last year.
Mayor Abby Binay said the aid went to 40 local government units hit by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon, 17 LGUs flooded due to the combined effects of a shear line and low-pressure area, and 19 localities affected by strong earthquakes.
“In the face of adversity, it is imperative that we come together as a nation, united in our determination to provide relief and support to those in need,” Binay said in a statement.
READ: Makati gives P19-M aid to disaster-hit ‘sister’ local gov’ts
Binay ordered the allocation of amounts ranging from P250,000 to P1 million for each LGU, depending on the severity of the damage.
A total of P8.75 million was earmarked for 17 municipalities in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar affected by the combined effects of a shear line and low-pressure area last November.
For 18 localities in Surigao del Sur severely affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Dec. 2, the city allocated P12.5 million.
The city also allotted P250,000 for Glan municipality in Sarangani Province hit by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake last November.
Additionally, P26 million was allocated for 10 provinces and 30 localities ravaged by super typhoons Egay and Falcon.
The financial assistance from Makati was sourced from its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund-Quick Response Fund for the calendar year 2023, according to Binay.
Under the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the local disaster risk reduction and management council may transfer funds to support other local government units upon its recommendation.
“We stand ready to collaborate, listen, and lend a helping hand wherever it is needed,” the local chief executive said.
While once the richest city in 2017, Makati is still the second wealthiest city in Metro Manila with assets of over P239 billion, only behind Quezon City with P443 billion, according to a Commission on Audit report for 2022.