PDRRMC okays rehab plan for Quinta victims, havoc

THE Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) approved on Tuesday the rehabilitation plan for the victims and damage brought by Tropical Storm “Quinta” in Iloilo last December 26, 2012.

Risk reduction council chairman Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said the rehabilitation plan covers three sectors, namely: economic, social services and infrastructure, involving a total amount of P454,37,980.

The economic sector includes rehabilitation plan for agriculture amounting to P120,800,000; veterinary services – P1,400,000; cooperative development – P1,200,000; and environment and natural resources – P17,500,000.

Under the social services sector are rehabilitation plans for social welfare – P14,351,198; and public health – P120,001,500.

On the infrastructure sector, the rehabilitation plans cover provincial roads and bridges – P86,692,700; school buildings and other school facilities – P2,500,000; hospital facilities/equipment, furniture and fixtures – P1,630,000; river control (Cabatuan and Pototan) – P67,282,582; farm to market road (Pototan) – P1,500,000; drainage system (Pototan) – P500,000; coliseum (Pototan) – P2,500,000; and flood control (Calinog) – P17,000,000.

Jerry Bionat, PDRRMC executive director, said the funds will be taken from the trust fund of the Calamity Fund of the province of Iloilo and rom other sources like the National Government and donations from the private sector.

The PDRRMC also approved the giving of financial assistance amounting P10,000 each to the families of the 15 casualties and P5,000 financial ssistance to each household with totally damaged houses.

PDRRMC data showed that the destroyed houses by Quinta reached 1,042 while damaged housesreached 4,764.

Meanwhile, Defensor personally called Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Romeo Momo, asking him to prioritize the repair of damaged roads and bridges in the province and the clearing of silted rivers to prevent the reoccurrence of flooding in times of heavy rains.

As of January 8, the PDRRMC said it released 811 sacks of rice, 435 boxes of canned foods, 852 boxes of food items, 319 boxes of bottled water, 1,491 pieces of bedding supplies, 616 pieces of water containers, 55 pieces of thermos, 49 boxes of hygiene kit for kids, and 200 boxes of family packs.

PDRRMC data also showed that 40,519 families in 372 barangays of 27 towns in Iloilo were affected by the floods brought by Quinta.

The damage on agriculture was estimated to reach P21.1 million while the damage on infrastructures reached an approximately P108 million. (PR)