Typhoon victims get financial aid

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 2,000 families affected by Typhoon Frank in the towns of Bantayan, Santa Fe and Madridejos last year have received financial assistance from the national government.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. visited Bantayan Island yesterday morning to personally hand over the financial assistance to the typhoon victims.

Teodoro was assisted by Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Bantayan Mayor Geralyn Escario and Department of Social Welfare and Development regional director Evelyn Macapobre.

Typhoon Frank hit northern Cebu on June 15, 2008 and most of those affected were residents in the three municipalities of Bantayan Island.

The delay in the processing of papers is one of the reasons for the delay in the distribution to the beneficiaries.

In his speech during the turnover of the financial assistance to the beneficiaries, Teodoro said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sent him to Bantayan Island to facilitate the distribution of the Emergency Shelter Assistance to the typhoon victims.

He said President Arroyo ordered the release of P6.6-million assistance to the victims.

“Dahil pinangga kamo dinhi ni Presidente Arroyo hinungdan nga iyang gipagawas ang hinabang para kaninyo,” he said.

Teodoro also announced that Salimbangon has been instrumental in the release of the financial assistance.

According to Teodoro, Salimbangon personally made a follow up at his office for the release of the financial assistance.

He recalled that Typhoon Frank hit the country on June 14, 2008, two days before his birthday on June 16.

“Para sa akin ang Typhoon Frank ay isang baptism of fire,” said Teodoro, who assured that his office will continue providing assistance to victims of all natural calamities.

Although Salimbangon admitted that they encountered problems in identifying the typhoon victims, it will not affect the giving of the assistance.

He said the Municipal Social Welfare Offices of the three towns were tasked to prepare the list of typhoon victims.

Also yesterday, the National Disaster Coordinating Council distributed financial assistance to families of Typhoon Frank casualties.

The DSWD regional office also distributed P1 million to the beneficiaries under its Self-Employment Assistance program.

Bantayan Mayor Geralyn Escario expressed thanks to Teodoro and Salimbangon for the assistance. — Jose P. Sollano/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)