P30.4 million aid released for typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — About P30.41 million in relief items have been distributed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces following the onslaught of monsoon rains.

Local government units (LGUs) had received 33,250 relief items consisting of 17,000 food packs and 16,250 non-food items as of Saturday.

“As the government’s partner in nation-building, we are morally and duty-bound to come to the aid of Filipinos in times of need, and that includes being one of the first responders when calamities strike,” PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said.

Residents of Manila, Marikina, Parañaque, Quezon City, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, La Union and Laguna received assistance.

PAGCOR facilitated aid distribution at its Imus and Angat warehouses, in coordination with LGUs and logistics partners.

The state gaming regulator extended support to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Nanay party-list group, giving them relief goods to distribute to affected constituents.

“Our relief operations are ongoing and will continue in the coming days as we aim to reach out to more communities affected by the calamities,” Tengco said.

Around 5.29 million people or 1.46 million families across 17 regions were affected by monsoon rains and floods, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

P1 billion aid for workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allotted P1 billion to assist workers affected by heavy rainfall and floods.

“Considering the nationwide effects of the weather disturbances and the number of families affected, around P1 billion of downloaded funds to the regional offices are earmarked for this purpose,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said yesterday.

The funding will be used for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program or TUPAD.

Regional offices of the DOLE have been directed to work with LGUs and identify workers eligible for emergency employment.

“We expect the list of affected people qualified to become TUPAD beneficiaries. The list will be submitted next week so they can be immediately profiled and start working soonest,” Laguesma said.

Displaced workers have been hired by the DOLE to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development in repacking relief goods.

The DOLE has deployed TUPAD workers to help the Metro Manila Development Authority in declogging and cleaning canals as well as drainage systems.

Price freeze

In Manila, meanwhile, the city government will enforce a price freeze on basic necessities for 60 days.

Rice, corn, root crops, bread, fish, pork, beef, poultry, fresh eggs, potable water, milk, vegetables, fruits, instant noodles, coffee, sugar, cooking oil and salt will be covered by the price freeze.

Laundry soap and detergents, firewood, charcoal, household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, candles and essential medicines are also included.

Acts of price manipulation are prohibited such as hoarding, profiteering and engaging in a cartel to increase prices.

Fewer evacuees  in Valenzuela

Only seven families from Valenzuela’s Barangay Pasolo remain at evacuation centers.

Most of the evacuees have returned to their homes as floodwaters recede, city officials said.

MacArthur Highway and Maysan-Paso de Blas to North Luzon Expressway are now passable.

Floods were reported in parts of Pasolo, including A. Santos corner Tiwala street, Martin Ville, Angeles II, F. Martin and V. Martin.

Monsoon rains enhanced by three tropical cyclones battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces last week. — Mayen Jaymalin, Ghio Ong, Mark Ernest Villeza