By Funny Pearl Gajunera/PNA
DAVAO CITY — The city government is extending financial aid to 12 neighboring towns in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental affected by flooding and one town in Davao del Sur hit by the dry spell.
Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, who requested the city council to authorize her to use part of the city’s quick response fund, said once approved, the financial assistance would be immediately given to the affected local government units.
“We are planning to send them PHP300,000 per municipality that they can use for their evacuees or for rehabilitation purposes,” she said.
The city and municipalities are Tagum City, Carmen, Asuncion, Kapalong, Braulio E. Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte; Manay, Cateel, Tarragona, Baganga, Boston, and Caraga in Davao Oriental; and Bansalan in Davao del Sur.
The quick response fund is 30 percent of the disaster or calamity fund, which is 5 percent of the city’s budget.
“We have a big disaster quick response fund that we can share, so it is better if we can give to our neighbors who are in need,” she said.
During the flooding, the city government extended help to affected areas in Davao del Norte by sending volunteers to rescue trapped residents on January 28.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Alfredo Baluran said the municipality of Braulio E. Dujali has sought volunteers and troops for the trapped residents.
This is not the first time that the city government extended financial aid to areas affected by calamities.
