LIMASAWA, SOUTHERN LEYTE – From being the worst-hit municipality in Southern Leyte during the onslaught of Typhoon 'Odette' in December, Limasawa Island is now on transition period three weeks after the disaster, says the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-8).
DSWD-8 regional director Grace Sugbong, said they have already distributed P15,995,375 worth of food and non-food items during their visit here Friday (Jan. 7).
The department has also started the distribution of P5 thousand cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to 1,849 families affected regardless of their status worth P9,245,000.
Mayor Melchor Petracorta disclosed that only 169 houses were partially damaged while 1,433 were totally damaged in their town.
Although not used to begging for help, the mayor turned emotional in thanking everyone who helped them.
"'Yung mga tao sinabihan ko na kahit may tulong wag makampante dahil hindi 'yan magtatagal. So iniencourage ko sila na maagang bumangon para magtrabaho. Magsikap tayo kasi 'yung tulong ng gobyerno na para madali tayong makabangon. Kaya nga pasalamat ako dahil hindi ako sanay magmakaawa pero naawa ako sa mga tawo," he shared.
Through the government's holistic approach, Office of the Civil Defense 8 regional director Lord Byron Torrecarion said they will be conducting a post-disaster need assessment (PDNA) that will be the basis of their recovery program.
"We will be looking into hindi lang sa Limasawa but all affected areas in the region. These are composite teams who will guide us, who will look at what is needed, what to do next, what to plan, and what projects we should fund in order to build back better," he added.