Quezon City extends P10 million aid to Bicol LGUs hit by Kristine

Mayor Belmonte with evacuees affected by the Storm Kristine’s floods in QC.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the Quezon City Council approved Resolution No. SP-9833, extending P10 million in financial assistance to nine local government units (LGUs) in the Bicol region severely impacted by the devastating effects of severe tropical storm Kristine.

Seven municipalities in Camarines Sur will receive P8 million, with Iriga City designated to receive P2 million. The municipalities slated to receive P1 million each include Bato, Nabua, Bula, Buhi, Pili, and Tinambac. In Albay Province, the municipalities of Libon and Guinobatan will each be granted P1 million.

The selections were based on recommendations from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through Resolution No. 8, S-2024.

“We are fulfilling our duty to assist our fellow local governments as they recover from the impacts of this calamity,” Belmonte stated. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Quezon City Council, led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, for their swift action on this matter. We hope this assistance brings meaningful relief to our brothers and sisters in Bicol,” she added.

Mayor Joy Belmonte with Vice Mayor Gian Sotto who pushed for the Council’s approval of P10M aid to Bicol

The financial aid will come from Quezon City’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Trust Fund, which has been set up to ensure fast and effective support for disaster-stricken areas.

READ: LOOK: Marcos conducts aerial inspection of Kristine-hit areas

Meanwhile, in preparation for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Quezon City government mobilized its personnel to ensure public safety at various facilities, including cemeteries, columbaria, bus terminals, and other crowded areas throughout the city.

A substantial force of over 4,700 personnel from the Quezon City Police District, alongside around 2,000 additional personnel from departments such as the Department of Public Order and Safety, Task Force Disiplina, Barangay Public Order and Safety Officers, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, will be deployed across various locations starting October 29 until November 2, ensuring enhanced security measures during this period.

Acting District Director of the QCPD PCol. Melencio Buslig Jr. confirmed that uniformed personnel will provide security assistance until November 2.

Additionally, traffic enforcers from the Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) will be stationed near major cemeteries, columbaria, malls, and transport terminals to maintain smooth traffic flow throughout the event. The QCity Bus service will also continue operating on November 1 and 2, facilitating public transportation needs during this busy period.

To ensure orderly visits, the City Civil Registry Department has released guidelines for visitation in city-run cemeteries such as Bagbag Public Cemetery and Novaliches Public Cemetery. Both sites will welcome visitors from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM starting October 31 until November 3. Interment operations will be suspended from October 31 to November 4 to accommodate the influx of visitors.

QCPD cops stationed in various areas in preparation for Undas 2024.

Those planning to visit the Baesa Columbarium and Crematorium must note that it will be closed from October 31 to November 3; however, all scheduled cremations will proceed without interruption during this timeframe.

To maintain a respectful atmosphere during visitations, the following activities and items are strictly prohibited in the cemeteries:

• Gambling
• Alcoholic beverages
• Flammable materials
• Firearms or deadly weapons
• Smoking/vaping
• Videoke or any loud music/sound systems
• Painting tools

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of every QCitizen and all who visit their departed loved ones this Undas 2024. We hope everyone will honor these days peacefully and ask visitors to adhere to regulations at public and private cemeteries and columbaria across our city,” Mayor Belmonte reassured the public.

“Should any emergencies arise, or if you have concerns or complaints, do not hesitate to call the QC Helpline at 122 for immediate assistance from your local government,” she added.