OCD assessing Yolanda damage in the Visayas

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of Civil Defense deployed this week a total of seven teams — four in Region 8 and three others in Regions 6, 7 and 4B — for post-disaster assessment of the devastation of Yolanda in these areas.

OCD director Ana Cañeda, who was in Ormoc City yesterday, said the results of the assessment will be used by the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Rehabilitation (OPAR), headed by Sec. Panfilo Lacson, as bases for the release of funds in the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the devastated areas.

Cañeda's team is now in Leyte to assess 43 areas or local government units, including Independent component cities, by virtue of a memor from Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The OCD official told The Freeman that LGUs can expect fund assistance from the OPAR, and all sectors can avail themselves of the same from the national government. "Social, infra, livelihood and even religious sectors will be included," she said.

Cañeda further clarified that the OCD teams will only assess the effects of Yolanda and are yet to submit their final reports.  (FREEMAN)