Makati to give P24 million to quake-hit Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati city government will give P24 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by the swarm of earthquakes in the past weeks in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.

The Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Abby Binay approved the donation yesterday.

Binay said she convened the council for an emergency meeting to speed up the release of financial aid to the provinces struck by the temblors.

Also present during the meeting were city administrator Claro Certeza, city legal officer Michael Camiña, Interior and Local Government-Makati director Cherry Melodias, Councilor Luis Javier Jr. and MDRRMC members.

“The city of Makati empathizes with the earthquake victims. We would like to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible. Aside from financial aid, we will also share whatever resources we can give,” she said.

Binay said they would donate school supplies to students in earthquake-ravaged areas.

She added that they may deploy psychosocial support teams to conduct stress debriefing and help the victims recover from their traumatic experience. 

Under the law, local disaster councils may transfer funds to support LGUs under a state of calamity.

Binay said she hopes that the financial assistance for earthquake victims would be included in the agenda of the city council during its regular session next week.