Occidental Mindoro earmarks P25.7M for flood response

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The provincial government has allocated P25.7268 million from its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for immediate assistance and response efforts following weather-related damage estimated at over P2 billion across Occidental Mindoro, according to the Philippine Information Agency in Mimaropa.

The PIA report, released on Tuesday, said the province was placed under a state of calamity on Sept. 1 after the southwest monsoon triggered widespread flooding that affected all municipalities and damaged homes, agricultural areas, livestock, and infrastructure.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Mario Mulingbayan said the QRF was prioritized for communities and sectors most affected by the flooding and other weather disturbances.

READ: Occidental Mindoro under state of calamity over P2.1-billion damage

The largest allocation, P12 million, was earmarked for the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO); P8.51 million for the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and P3.78 million for the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

The PDRRMO funds will be used to acquire disaster-response supplies and materials, including gabion wires and filter cloth, and provide fuel subsidies to local government units and partner organizations.

The OPA allocation will support livelihood recovery among farmers and boat owners affected by the southwest monsoon and tropical depressions. It will also fund agricultural inputs, including palay, corn, and other seeds.

The PSWDO allocation includes financial assistance for families whose houses were damaged by the flooding. Families with totally damaged houses will receive P10,000, while those with partially damaged homes will receive P5,000.

Mulingbayan said validation and payment processing for the housing assistance were completed, and its distribution would follow a schedule.

The QRF also includes assistance for livestock raisers who lost animals, support for affected micro, small and medium enterprises, and medicines for municipalities affected by flooding.

Mulingbayan said the QRF forms part of the province’s short-term recovery and rehabilitation measures.

READ: State of calamity recommended for Occidental Mindoro

The provincial government is also preparing to conduct a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to determine longer-term recovery and rehabilitation requirements resulting from the damage.

The assessment is expected to provide the basis for the provincial government to seek additional assistance from national and regional government agencies, particularly for major rehabilitation and infrastructure projects./coa