- Davao extends calamity aid to quake-hit areas in Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (Mindanews) – The City Council of Davao approved Thursday an ordinance providing a total amount of P2.5 million in calamity assistance to areas in Mindanao hit hardest by recent earthquakes.
Under suspended rules during the 48th regular session Thursday, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair of the finance, ways and means, and appropriations committee said the financial assistance aims to “support their respective belief and rehabilitation programs” to help improve their situation after the strong quakes.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur will receive P1 million, while the municipal governments of Glan, Malapatan, and Alabel of Sarangani Province and Hinatuan and Cagwait of Surigao del Sur will receive P300,000 each, Ortiz said.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake occurred east of Surigao del Sur on December 2 while a magnitude 7.2 tremor hit Sarangani on November 17.
“The local sanggunian of these LGUs issued their corresponding resolutions to support their declaration of State of Calamity,” she said.
The P2.5-million allocation came from a portion of the city’s Quick Response Fund (QRF).
QRF is 30 percent of this year’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (DRRMF), which should be at least five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources, according to Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
DRRMF shall be used “to support disaster risk management activities such as, but not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities, and for the payment of premiums on calamity insurance,” according to Section 21 of RA 10121.
The city government also approved P23.4 million in cash assistance on Jan. 17, March 21, and July 4 for other areas that were hit by calamities. (Ian Carl Espinosa/Mindanews)
