• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The signatures required for the Deed of Donation covering the P50 million presidential assistance extended to the provincial government of Negros Occidental following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino have been completed, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II told reporters yesterday.
Diaz said the province is awaiting the delivery of the signed documents from the Office of the President (OP). He added that an authorized representative has already been dispatched to follow up on the paperwork.
The release of the funds was delayed due to discrepancies in the required signatures, including that of former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who resigned from his post on November 17.
With the documentation nearing completion, Diaz said the entire amount will be downloaded to local government units (LGUs), particularly those in the Fourth and Fifth Districts, which were hardest hit by the typhoon.
“We will release the assistance in cash. However, it will be up to the LGUs to determine the exact amount to be given to qualified beneficiaries,” Diaz said, noting that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson opted for cash distribution rather than in-kind aid.
As to the allocation per LGU, Diaz said the provincial government will conduct an assessment to ensure equitable distribution. Localities that suffered the most will receive a larger share of the funds.
The rollout of the P50 million assistance is expected at the start of 2026 and is intended to support the recovery of typhoon victims, particularly the rehabilitation of their homes.
The Deeds of Donation for La Castellana, La Carlota, and Moises Padilla where each allocated P10 million from the OP, as well as the P5 million each for Hinigaran, Binalbagan, and Isabela, are also expected have completed the required signatories before the end of the year.*
