A total of P47.5 million financial assistance was distributed on Friday, March 1, by the Makati City government to 76 local government units (LGUs) that were hit by natural calamities.

(Photo from Makati City LGU)

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial turnover of financial aid to governors, mayors, and representatives of the recipient LGUs.

Binay said the recipients included 40 local government units hit by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon in July last year, 17 LGUs severely flooded due to the combined shear line and low pressure area in November, and 19 localities affected by strong earthquakes in November and December.

“Makati understands the importance of extending a helping hand to our fellow Filipinos. In the face of adversity, it is imperative that we come together as a nation, united in our determination to provide relief and support to those in need,” she said, adding that the allocation of  aid, from P250,000 to P1 million for each LGU, depends on the severity of the damage they incurred.

The mayor explained that the city has earmarked a total of P8,750,000 for 17 municipalities of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar affected by the combined effects of shear line and low-pressure area last November. These include Catarman and Laoang with P1 million each; Pambujan,  Palapag, Mondragon and Dolores with P750,000 each; San Roque, Las Navas, Catubig and Bobon with P500,000 each; and Lapinig, Lope de Vega, Rosario, Silvino Lobos, Arteche, Jipapad and Oras with P250,000 each.

For the 18 localities in Surigao del Sur severely affected by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake last December 2, the city has allocated P12,500,000. These are Barobo, Bislig, Hinatuan, San Miguel, Tagbina, Tago and Tandag with P1 million each; Carrascal, Lianga, Lingig with P750,000 each; Cagwait, Cortes, Madrid, Marihatag and San Agustin with P500,000 each; and Bayabas, Carmen and Lanuza with P250,000 each. 

Makati has also allotted P250,000 for the Glan municipality in Sarangani Province which was hit by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake last November.

It has also allotted P26 million for 10 provinces and 30 localities ravaged by super typhoons Egay and Falcon. The Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Abra, Apayao and Benguet each received P1 million. The recipients from Ilocos Norte are Laoag with P750,000; Solsona, P50,000; Bacarra, Pagudpud, Paoay and Piddig with P250,000 each.

Binmaley in Pangasinan received P1 million, while in Ilocos Sur, Vigan received P1 million; Cabugao and Caoayan, P500,000 each; and Cervantes, P250,000. Baggao in Cagayan received P250,000, while in Pampanga, Masantol and Minalin each received P1 million; Santo Tomas, P750,000; and Mexico, P500,000. From Bataan, the localities of Abucay, Mariveles and Samal each got P1 million, while Pilar got P500,000. 

The city also gave P1 million to Bangued; P500,000 to Bucay; and P250,000 each to Dolores, Manabo, Pilar, Sallapadan and Tayum in Abra. In Benguet, the municipalities of Atok, Kabayan and Kapangan each received P250,000.  

The financial assistance was sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund – Quick Response Fund of the approved Executive Budget for calendar year 2023.

Satellite imaging

Aside from the financial aid, Binay said the city plans to offer satellite imaging service as part of its assistance to calamity-hit localities, recognizing the importance of rapid assessment of the extent and severity of damage in the affected area.

“Makati is ready to offer our expertise, resources, and support in any way possible to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of the affected LGUs. We stand ready to collaborate, listen, and lend a helping hand wherever it is needed,” Binay said.

"It will be useful in disaster management, particularly in the assessment of vulnerabilities and risks and the extent and severity of damage in the affected area," she added.  

She also called on fellow mayors to “invest in climate-proof, disaster-ready, and resilient infrastructure as they rebuild.”

Among the 36 LGUs that will receive the aid, six of them are sister-municipalities of the city.

“We make no distinction in extending assistance to fellow LGUs in need. We are always willing to share our resources whenever possible to help our fellow Filipinos get back on their feet,” the mayor stressed.