The Iloilo City Government is set to release P1.6 million in financial assistance to eight local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao that were severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani province on June 8
Under the assistance package endorsed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), each beneficiary LGU will receive P200,000 in cash aid to help support ongoing relief operations and recovery initiatives in communities impacted by the disaster.
The assistance is part of the city’s efforts to extend support to areas facing major calamities and humanitarian challenges.
Mayor Raisa TreƱas said the city government recognizes the urgent needs of affected communities and remains committed to extending assistance to fellow Filipinos during times of crisis.
She noted that providing aid to disaster-stricken areas reflects the city’s spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility in responding to emergencies across the country.
To facilitate the distribution of assistance, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) coordinated with concerned agencies and local authorities to identify areas requiring immediate support and ensure that resources are directed to the most affected communities.
The recipient LGUs include General Santos City; the municipalities of Glan, Maasim, Kiamba, and Malapatan in Sarangani province; and the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, and Malita in Davao Occidental. All eight LGUs have placed their respective areas under a state of calamity following the earthquake.
Government reports showed that the earthquake affected 167 barangays and more than 301,000 families, equivalent to around 1.2 million individuals across the region. General Santos City, Jose Abad Santos, and Malita were among the hardest-hit areas, each recording 26 affected barangays and sustaining significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and public facilities.
The financial assistance from the city government is expected to augment local relief and rehabilitation efforts as affected communities continue to recover from the effects of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Mindanao in recent years. Pia E. Maleriado, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
