P25-M shelter assistance for Sendong victims released

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas turned over P25-million worth of checks to 11 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental on Thursday.

The amount is the shelter aid for the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong that hit the eastern part of Negros Oriental in December 2012.

The cities of Dumaguete and Tanjay and the towns of Siaton, Dauin, Bacong, Valencia, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Pamplona and Mabinay received the checks.

DUMAGUETE. DSWD Regional Director turns over a check to Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria in a ceremony held at Convention Center in Dumaguete City on Thursday. (Victor L. Camion)

DSWD Regional Director Evelyn Macapobre said a total of 3,618 families whose houses were damaged will receive P5,000 each from the emergency shelter assistance (ESA) fund.

Macapobre also said that aside from the more than P2 million ESA fund, a check amounting to almost P14 million was given to Siaton town for its Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) intended for 133 families.

Another check worth P70,000 was also handed over to the town of Bacong.

Macapobre said only Bacong and Siaton received additional amount for their CSAP projects as both have completed all requirements needed for the release of the funds.

Siaton Mayor Arturo Ator said she has donated 11,000 square-meter lots in Siit Village for the relocation sites of the more than a hundred families.

Macapobre said the release of fund was even delayed.

Governor Roel Degamo, however, said despite the delay, it will still greatly help the victims of Sendong. (Sunnex)