Quake survivors to get cash aid from Cebu City

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) wants the Cebu City Government to give cash assistance to survivors of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Surigao del Norte earlier this month.

After he arrived from his twoday post-disaster need assessment in Surigao, CCDRRMO Chief Nagiel Bañacia said the survivors are in need of financial aid to help them recover from the disaster.

However, the City should limit the amount to between P500,000 and P1 million, Bañacia said.

He said the town of San Francisco needs more help since it was isolated from Surigao City after the bridge that connects the two areas was damaged.

He said San Francisco can barely sustain the distribution of relief goods to its residents since it only has an approved budget of P59 million for this year.

The towns of Sison, Mainit and Malimono also need assistance.

Bañacia said his recommendation was based on the needs that the local officials in Surigao relayed to him during his visit.

The financial help, Bañacia said, will help local government units and the affected families to rebuild their houses that were damaged by the quake.

Bañacia said the City has P137 million in available funds that can be used for this purpose.

On top of the cash, Bañacia said the City will also send relief goods it received from various donors to Surigao.

Osmeña is expected to decide as to how much cash the City will extend to Surigao tomorrow.