• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents of seven local government units in northern Negros affected by severe Tropical Storm Basyang and a shear line in February, are set to receive P10 million in financial assistance from Malacañang, disclosed Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz Jr. on Wednesday.
Diaz said the fund, donated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will be used for relief and recovery efforts in the communities that suffered from heavy rains and flooding brought by the weather disturbances.
The affected local government units were Sagay City, Toboso, Escalante City, Cadiz, portions of E.B. Magalona, and Talisay City.
Diaz identified Sagay City as the hardest-hit area, with about 6,700 residents affected by the flooding and severe weather conditions.
He said the provincial government is currently consolidating reports from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to determine how the assistance will be distributed.
“We will sit down on how to use it,” Diaz said, adding that provincial officials will also consult affected local government units regarding the form of aid they prefer.
“Will it be cash, goods or food or whatever it is, we will have to come to an agreement,” he added.
Diaz said the proposed utilization of the assistance fund will be presented to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for approval and implementation.*
