Assistance for quake victims

CEBU CITY -- The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) on Monday approved a resolution granting a financial assistance of 11 million to the city of Surigao which was hit by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake Friday night. The resolution, authored by Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, authorized Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to extend the financial assistance to Surigao City. The financial assistance will be taken from the funds of the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Cebu PDRRMO head Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. said they will send the financial assistance to Surigao City within the week. At least six people were killed while at least 126 others were injured in the earthquake. The earthquake also damaged a number of buildings, which showed cracks and shattered glass windows. Earlier, the Mandaue City Government and the Cebu Archdiocese said they will also send help to earthquake victims in Surigao City and neighboring areas hit by the earthquake. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 said the earthquake victims urgently need clean water. (PNA)