• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Contrary to earlier reports, typhoon-affected local government units in Negros Occidental have yet to receive the approved P45 million Presidential Assistance Fund (PAF) from Malacañang.
While no date has been given yet on its release, Donato Sermeno III, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense- Negros Island Region, said he expects the release of PAF as soon as possible, as the affected LGUs need it very badly.
During the site inspection of affected LGUs conducted by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, it was announced that P10 million financial aid will each be given to La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla, and P5 million each for Binalbagan, Isabela and Hinigaran.
On top of P45 million aid, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that the Negros Occidental provincial government will receive P50 million, and P30 million for the province of Negros Oriental.*
