LGUs send help to earthquake-hit communities in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines (6th UPDATE) – Some local governments have come to the aid of communities in Mindanao reeling from the destruction caused by 3 strong earthquakes in October, the last one on Thursday, October 31.

Here are some of the local governments that have sent help to Cotabato and other hard-hit areas in Mindanao.

Baguio City 

The Baguio City Council passed a resolution on November 4 to “source” P1.5 million that will be donated to the LGUs affected by the earthquakes in Mindanao, and P500,000 for Batanes, which was hit by an earthquake in July.  

Manila

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has donated P5 million of his personal money to Cotabato earthquake victims. The money is from his talent fees from endorsing pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, according to the Manila Public Information Office. 

Pasig City

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said in a Facebook post Monday, November 4, that the city will be donating relief goods and P14 million for the victims of the earthquake. 

Marikina

Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro announced the city’s donation of 100 modular tents for Cotabato.

The tents, to be shipped to Cotabato on Saturday, November 2, are the same ones that serve as temporary shelter to families affected by floods in Marikina. The tents can house at least 7 people. 

Quezon City

Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a Facebook post that she sent the city’s disaster risk reduction and management team to Davao and North Cotabato to extend the city’s help to affected communities.

Cebu Province 

The Cebu Provincial Government has organized a disaster relief campaign for the earthquake victims.

The drop off point for donations is the Cebu Provincial Capitol baskteball court located at the back of the Capitol building near the exit gate. Cebu welfare officers said drinking water, food items, and tents are preferred over clothes.

The Cebu provincial board approved on Monday, November 4, a P20-million financial assistance package to quake-affected areas in Cotabato and Davao del Sur provinces.

Cebu City

On Tuesday, November 5, the Cebu City Council approved P10 million in assistance for earthquake affected-towns in Mindanao.

Iloilo Province

The Iloilo provincial government giving financial aid to the earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao, specifically P2 million to Cotabato and P1 million to Davao del Sur.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council approved the resolution for this on Thursday, November 7.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr also called on the municipalities, NGOs, and the private sector in the province to donate what they can, and the provincial government would “facilitate the transport of these donations to Mindanao.”

Defensor is meeting with the mayors on November 15 to coordinate other possible assistance.

Davao City

Davao City has organized relief distribution for Davao del Sur and North Cotabato earthquake victims.

Mayor Sara Duterte earlier announced that she has directed all offered donations to the city – which had no evacuees and did not suffer extensive earthquake damage – to the two provinces “where they are needed the most this time.”

“Donations should be delivered to the Task Force Davao Headquarters at the Sta. Ana Wharf, c/o Colonel Consolito Yecla,” the mayor said in a Facebook post.

Makati

The city government of Makati will donate P24 million for the earthquake victims in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, Mayor Abigail Binay said on Friday, November 8.

“The City of Makati empathizes with the victims of the recent earthquakes, and we would like to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible. Aside from financial aid, we will also share whatever resources we can spare,” Binay said in a statement, adding that the city will also provide school supplies to affected students.

Albay

The province of Albay has allotted P1.5 million as financial assistance for earthquake victims in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato. Each area will receive P500,000, according to Cedric Daep, chief of the Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office. – with reports from Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler.com