LUNA, Apayao – More than 1,100 families have benefited from the Sagip Bubong Program of the provincial government since it was launched in wake of recent calamities that destroyed houses in the province.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRMD), 1,143 beneficiaries in five municipalities already received assistance as of December 11, 2024. This includes the distribution of 48,433 linear feet of galvanized iron (GI) sheets, 1,084 kilograms (kgs) of umbrella nails, and 528 kgs. of C.W.N. nails.
The municipality of Flora recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 443 households receiving 16,027 linear feet of GI sheets and 301 kgs. of umbrella nails, and 163 kgs of C.W.N. nails. Santa Marcela town followed with 296 families aided with 12,211 linear feet of roofing materials, along with 280 kgs. of umbrella nails, and 91 kgs. of C.W.N. nails.
Meanwhile, Pudtol recorded 250 beneficiaries, with 9,316 linear feet of GI sheets, 262 kgs of umbrella nails, and 143 kilograms of C.W.N. nails distributed. As for Calanasan, 90 families were provided with 7,819 linear feet of roofing materials, 184 kgs of umbrella nails, and 111 kgs of C.W.N. nails, while Luna beneficiaries received a total of 3,060 linear feet of GI sheets, 67 kgs of umbrella nails, and 20 kgs of C.W.N. nails.
“Adu pay iti maikkan. This program remains ongoing,” said Provincial DRRM Officer Joeffrey Borromeo, adding that “We are working to address yung mga pending requests para masigurado natin na makatanggap ang mga nangangailangan na families. Hopefully makapunta na rin tayo sa mga hindi pa napuntahang municipalities.”
Typhoon Marce struck Apayao in November and unleashed heavy rains and strong winds that caused widespread destruction and left hundreds of families homeless and forcing many to seek temporary shelter.
The typhoon likewise damaged homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands, prompting the provincial government to declare a State of Calamity which allowed for the immediate mobilization of resources to address the urgent needs of affected residents.
Adding to the challenges, the Northern Luzon was battered by successive typhoons in the same month, which further damaged the already fragile infrastructures and disrupted lives of residents, as well as caused additional landslides, flooding, and significant property damage.
Apayao DRRMD are working closely with the municipal government to make sure that all affected families will receive the much-needed help.
Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. has reiterated his earlier pronouncements that no yApayao should be left behind, and that this assistance program will both sustain the relief efforts from the provincial government and will provide hope and dignity to affected families.
Residents in need of assistance are advised to coordinate with their respective municipal governments to be included in the program. By Jess Christley Marquez
