AT least P75 million of the City of Naga’s P900-million budget for 2019 will be allocated for the construction of new houses for residents displaced by the landslide two months ago.
Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said the P75 million will be sourced from her office’s funds for capital outlay.
The City Council approved the City’s budget last week.
More than half of the budget is for the office of Mayor Chiong.
Based on a summary of appropriation provided by the council secretariat, the mayor’s office has the biggest share of the budget with P595 million.
Of the amount, P101 million was appropriated as subsidy to local government units and aid to the city’s 28 barangays, and P99.7 million was appropriated for the City’s development fund.
Aside from the City’s usual appropriations, they also earmarked P75 million for landslide victims.
Though she admits that funds are not enough to help the more than 1,700 evacuees still living in 10 evacuation centers, Chiong said they are discussing a P400-million loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines for housing and rehabilitation of areas affected by the landslide.
Chiong said they are still in the process of extending financial assistance and housing aid to 444 families living near the danger zone at the landslide area.
Once the 444 families have been given financial aid, they will focus on assisting the close to 1,300 families staying in evacuation sites. (JKV)