Capitol distributes aid to quake victims

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government on Friday, Oct. 10, distributed financial assistance to local governments in northern Cebu that were heavily affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro led the turnover of aid, which was originally scheduled inside the Cebu Provincial Capitol but was moved outside after a strong tremor from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Manay, Davao Oriental shook the building at 9:43 a.m.

Employees and officials rushed to safety when the emergency alarm sounded, while chandeliers and lights swayed during the quake.

Baricuatro immediately instructed everyone to evacuate, and the turnover of financial assistance proceeded at the Capitol’s open grounds to ensure safety. Rescue and engineering personnel later inspected the building before employees were allowed to return.

Each of the 12 affected local government units received P13 million, except for Bogo City, the quake’s epicenter, which got P15 million. The total financial assistance reached P158 million.

The recipients include the City of Bogo and the municipalities of Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Sogod, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.

In addition, the Provincial Government approved an extra P32 million to augment relief operations, higher than the P26 million requested by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The fund will be distributed among the Vice Governor and Provincial Board Members to strengthen disaster response in each district.

The allocation includes P5 million for Vice Governor Glenn Soco, P3 million each for Board Members Tining Martinez, Kerie Shimura, and Nelson Mondigo, P2 million each for Red Duterte and Mike Villamor, and P1 million for the rest of the board members.

The earthquake affected 192,489 families, or more than 411,000 individuals, across northern Cebu. In Bogo City alone, the disaster displaced more than 34,000 families, leaving many without homes and livelihoods.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the magnitude 6.9 earthquake killed 74 people in Cebu.(MyTVCebu)