The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Cordillera is urging all local government units (LGUs) in the region to distribute food, non-food, and other relief items and cash assistance fairly to the communities following the devastation caused by Typhoon Egay over the week.
“In light of the recent typhoon that has caused significant damage in our communities, we urge and implore our LGUs to prioritize the fair allocation of assistance to the typhoon-affected individuals within their respective areas of responsibility (AORs),” said DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose recently.
Adding, “As public servants, it is our responsibility to go beyond simply offering assistance. Our duty is to guarantee that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, receives the necessary support to navigate through these challenging times. The extent of our dedication to public service is demonstrated by our response during these critical times,” she said.
Noting, “As part of the government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), the LGUs are directed to use pertinent DRRM funds to execute emergency relief operations and assistance as specified by current laws and policies.
“We recognize the herculean task ahead of us, but together, we can make a difference. The true measure of our dedication to public service lies in our response during these critical moments. Let us rise to the occasion and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens. Time is of the essence. Let us act with urgency and compassion,” RD San Jose said.
RD San Jose also underscored that all LGUs should work together, setting aside any differences, and prioritize the well-being of our people. “By acting with urgency and fairness, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that every typhoon victim receives the assistance they require to rebuild their lives,” she said.
“Let this serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to serve our communities selflessly and with compassion. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and stand as a beacon of hope for those in need,” she said.
Based on the situational report released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of 12:00 PM on July 28, 2023, a significant number of 49,442 households in the area have been affected by Super Typhoon Egay.
Further, the DSWD, in collaboration with LGUs and various stakeholders, has provided a total assistance worth PHP 6.6 million. This aid encompasses essential relief items, including family food packs, hygiene kits, family kits, sleeping kits, bottled water, and other non-food items. These provisions have been distributed to evacuees currently residing in evacuation centers.
The distribution of relief items in the region has been strategically carried out in accordance with the disaster risk prepositioning agreement (DRPA) that was established with the LGUs. The items listed above have been stored within the warehouses of their respective units to ensure effective deployment in the event of a disaster.