Iloilo province gives P2M aid to CDO, Iligan

Gov. Arthur Defensor presides the emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council where he called for the giving of P2 million financial assistance to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The Province of Iloilo has allotted P2 million as financial assistance to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan which was devastated by the floods brought by typhoon Sendong over the weekend.

Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. called for an emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council on December 20 to formalize the giving of financial aid to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan amounting to P1 million each.

Defensor said the two cities are in dire need of help due to the calamity.

He likened the tragedy that happened in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to what happened in Iloilo when typhoon Frank hit Western Visayas in 2008 where many local government units (LGUs) from other parts of the country also gave financial help.

Defensor was saddened that the disaster happened in time of the Yuletide season where the people are supposed to enjoy and celebrate.

President Aquino already declared a state of national calamity due to the devastation brought by typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete.

Under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010, a declaration of calamity means all agencies are mandated to impose remedial measures including the imposition of price ceilings on basic necessities and prime commodities. Agencies must also prevent overpricing, profiteering and hoarding of basic supplies such as medicines and petroleum products.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has placed the number of dead from tropical storm Sendong at 957 people. (ECGarcia/ Capitol News)