A state of calamity has been declared in Iloilo City due to the effects of Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
The City Council adopted on Tuesday, Dec. 21, a resolution recommending the state of calamity declaration.
The recommendation was made by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).
This will allow the city government to utilize its calamity fund amounting to P42 million.
“The current condition in the barangays requires urgent need to declare a state of calamity so that immediate assistance can be provided by the city government,” the resolution stated.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said households with totally damaged houses will get P10,000 each while those with partially damaged houses will receive P4,300 each.
According to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), a total of 9,143 houses from 138 barangays were damaged by the typhoon.
Of the figure, 405 were totally damaged while 8,736 were partially damaged.
The district of Jaro recorded the most number of damaged houses with 2,650, followed by La Paz (1, 796), Molo (1,579), Arevalo (1,120), Lapuz (816), City Proper (708), and Mandurriao (474).
Treñas said he wants the cash aid to be distributed as soon as possible.
“Gusto ta man nga magNew Year ang aton pumuluyo daw nami man bala batyagon nga nakabulig ta.”
The mayor said Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon and Senate President Tito Sotto committed to help the affected households by giving construction materials like GI sheets, bamboos, and nails.IMT
