Aquino makes nat’l disaster declaration; orders over P1B aid to stricken areas

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III  yesterday declared a state of national calamity in the aftermath of tropical storm “Sendong” which killed about a thousand people in Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete and other  parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

The President made the announcement in a briefing with local government and disaster officials in Cagayan de Oro, which bore the brunt of the storm.

Aquino likewise ordered the disbursement of P1 billion for the permanent resettlement of residents who lost their homes, P54 million for repairs on the water systems in the stricken areas and P2 million for medicines.

The President said he wanted a study on improving alert and warning systems in times of disasters as well as the relocation of families living in hazard and high risk areas.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the declaration means that calamity funds of the national and local governments and the barangays can now be used for disaster-hit areas "and all agencies now can pour all of their resources in these calamity areas."

Rodriguez said the Government Services Insurance System will suspend collections of premiums while government financing institutions such as GSIS, Social Security System and Pag-IBIG will extend loans to calamity victims.

Under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010, a declaration of calamity means all agencies are mandated to impose remedial measures including the imposition of price ceilings on basic necessities and prime commodities.

Agencies must also prevent overpricing, profiteering and hoarding of basic supplies such as medicines and petroleum products.

Local governments may also channel funds for repair and allocate funds for upgrading infrastructure and facilities.

Government financing institutions should also grant loans without interest to victims most affected by disasters.

The President's declaration also enables him to seek international humanitarian assistance as necessary.

Aquino visited  Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete yesterday  morning where he met with  local officials, inspected the damage and  supervised the  relief efforts for affected families.

Obama message

US President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to the victims of tropical storm "Sendong",which has already claimed nearly a thousand lives.

In a statement issued by the White House, Obama extended his sympathies for the kin of  those who perished during the onslaught of “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City and other parts of northern Mindanao over the weekend.

He said the US government is ready to give assistance to victims of the disaster.

"On behalf of the American people, I wish to express my deep condolences for the tremendous loss of life and devastation caused by recent flooding in the Philippines. In the spirit of our long history of friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, the United States stands ready to assist the Philippine people and government should humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts be needed," Obama said in a statement.