Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced yesterday that the city government will give at least P5 million worth of assistance to Zamboanga City which is reeling from a humanitarian crisis following almost a month of fighting between Moro rebels and government forces.
The mayor yesterday visited the 60 Zamboanga residents who sought refuge with their relatives at Tres de Abril St in barangay Punta Princesa.
“I want you to be assured that although you will only be temporarily staying here, you will be looked after,” Rama told the refugees from barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City.
The refugees decided to flee after Moro National Liberation Front rebels occupied their barangay and five other villages in Zamboanga City.
Rama was accompanied by Ester Concha, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) and City Health Officer Stella Ygonia. The DSWS already gave a sack of rice and provided sleeping mats to the families. Although the refugees insisted that they don’t have a problem with toilet and bath facilities, Rama insisted that City Hall will provide them with portable toilets.
Rama also tried to call Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, but he was told that she was in a meeting. Operations at the city hall in Zamboanga City returned to normal yesterday. “I want to make sure that it’s already clear there before we can send them back,” he said, adding that City Hall may shoulder the return trip of the refugees.
Rama also called the Office of the Vice President to ask for any assistance that can be extended to the refugees. He informed Undersecretary Benjie Martinez Jr. about the situation of the refugees.
Disaster fund
“This (P5 million) can still be increased depending on the City Council. I hope the Council takes cognizance of their need,” Rama said.
According to Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) executive director Simeon Romarate, the disaster council already passed a resolution to release P5 million as aid to Zamboanga from the city’s funds yesterday.
“The money will be taken from the city’s disaster risk reduction management fund,” Romarate said.
As provided by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010), the local disaster fund can be used for calamity relief work in other areas provided the spending is approved by the local legislature. /Jose Santino Bunachita, Correspondent