Malacañang has disbursed P665 million in financial assistance to local government units across Negros Occidental, directly targeting the extensive infrastructure damage left by Typhoon Tino and the persistent unrest of Kanlaon Volcano. The allocation, formally turned over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Palace, aims to expedite the rebuilding of critical public facilities, roads, and bridges damaged across the province.
The funds are intended to enable affected communities to repair essential infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and bolster their resilience against future natural hazards.
Presiding over the ceremonial turnover, President Marcos Jr. delivered a stern warning to local chief executives gathered at Malacañang Palace, emphasizing the sacred trust involved in managing disaster relief funds. "This is public money intended for our fellow Filipinos affected by disasters. It is not meant to be used for personal gain or to enrich anyone amid the tragedies we are experiencing," the President declared, setting a stringent tone for fiscal probity and public service. He further stressed that "ghost projects are prohibited. Kickbacks are prohibited. Substandard rehabilitation projects are prohibited," cautioning that perpetrators of malfeasance would face the "full force of the law."
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental was present to personally receive the P665 million allocation, representing the pressing needs of his constituents. The aid is channeled through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund – Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (NDRRM-DRRAP), a government mechanism that provides direct financial assistance to LGUs. While the P665 million is specifically detailed for Negros Occidental, Governor Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental was also among the officials at the Palace, as part of the broader national program for calamity-affected areas.
The destruction that necessitated this substantial aid package stems from a confluence of natural disasters. Typhoon Tino, which made landfall approximately one year ago, left a broad swathe of devastation, particularly severe in the 5th District of Negros Occidental. The typhoon unleashed widespread flooding, causing significant damage to infrastructure, decimating agricultural assets, and displacing thousands of families. Compounding these challenges, the continuous unrest of Kanlaon Volcano has added another layer of complexity, with frequent seismic activity and ashfall demanding sustained attention to both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
Within Negros Occidental, the P665 million will be distributed judiciously among several towns and cities, each allocated funds based on detailed proposals outlining their most pressing infrastructure needs. Among the largest beneficiaries, La Carlota City, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and Bago City are slated to receive substantial portions, each amounting to P100 million. These allocations are designated for projects including the rehabilitation of local government buildings and public facilities, housing and resettlement initiatives for displaced residents, and the restoration of educational facilities damaged by the calamities. A portion of these funds will also go towards the reconstruction of bridges that were either destroyed or severely compromised.
Other affected localities across Negros Occidental also stand to benefit from targeted allocations. Sagay City has been allotted P90 million specifically for the repair and rebuilding of its public buildings and facilities, vital for the resumption of local governance and public services. Isabela will receive P40 million dedicated to essential bridge repairs, reconnecting isolated communities and facilitating the movement of goods and people. Cadiz City is set to get P20 million for health-related interventions.
Smaller yet equally critical amounts have been designated for other municipalities, addressing specific local needs. Himamaylan City and Salvador Benedicto are each receiving P5 million, with the former focused on bridge infrastructure and the latter on educational facilities. Murcia will also receive P5 million to bolster its education and health facilities.
The P665 million for Negros Occidental forms part of a much larger national aid package totaling P8.645 billion. President Marcos Jr. disclosed that an initial tranche of over P6 billion from this broader fund has already been released, with another P2.5 billion in the final stages of being downloaded to various local government units nationwide.
The funds are intended to support a wide array of rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, encompassing more than just damaged infrastructure. They also aim at the restoration of agricultural livelihoods, which are often the first casualty of natural calamities, ensuring food security and economic stability for farming communities. Furthermore, the aid supports the provision of adequate housing for those displaced, and the reinforcement of essential education and health services.
President Marcos Jr. reiterated during the turnover ceremony that the national government's commitment to aiding LGUs in their recovery transcends political affiliations. He articulated a clear policy wherein assistance is distributed based purely on the needs of affected communities, ensuring equitable access to vital resources regardless of local political landscapes or allegiances.