Cebu City to give P15M Pablo aid

THE Cebu City government will extend P15-million assistance to typhoon Pablo-affected provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
It will also send a 60-member team  to conduct a medical mission and relief distribution in Compostela Valley starting December 26, said Alvin Santillana, action officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

The City Council approved a P500,000 travel budget for the contingent.

Meanwhile, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma announced the cancellation of the Christmas party of the Archbishop’s Palace.

He also enjoined parishes to have modest Christmas parties.

“We can still be happy with simple parties so we can give something to the typhoon victims,” Palma said
The City Council yesterday approved the release of P15 million from the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund (DRRMF).
Assistant budget officer Marieta Gumia reported that the city’s fund still has P96.3-million available.

The DRRMF represents at least 5 percent of a local government unit’s annual budget.

The City Council resolution to give assistance to typhoon Pablo survivors was sponsored by Councilor Jose Daluz III.

Under the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act (RA 10121), local government units can provide calamity assistance to other localities, provided the local legislature gives authority to the local chief executive to disburse the funds from available DRRMF.

While the council was quick to approve financial aid, they made some clarification on the composition of the 60-man contingent.
Councilor Augustus Pe, Jr. questioned the participation of two personnel from the City Integrated Traffic Operations Management and two policemen.

“Instead of bringing support personnel, why don’t we send more doctors there?” he asked.

Santillana told reporters the policemen were needed as security escorts for the city’s 60-man team that will include 30 doctors, nurses and medical aides and other City Hall personnel./with reports from Jhunnex Napallacan