The province of Negros Oriental needs at least P1.2 billion for the rehabilitation and repair of government structures damaged by tropical storm “Sendong”, Gov. Roel Degamo said.
This was after the assessment by provincial engineers of damaged river dikes, bridges, roads, spillways and water systems.
The request was sent to Undersecretary Benito Ramos, of the office of Civil Defense, the governor said.
Degamo said he is optimistic that the province will benefit from the P20 billion calamity fund of the national government intended for calamity-stricken areas.
He also expected to issue an executive order within the week for the creation of Task Force Kinabuhi as an offshoot to the tropical storm.
The task force will conduct a study of rivers throughout the province, especially those that overflowed during the recent storm like the Banica, Okoy and Tanjay rivers.
Degamo is asking Silliman University president Dr Ben Malayang III,
a former undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to be the coordinator, and action officer of the task force.
During an initial meeting with heads of the affected local government units, Malayang suggested the massive planting of bamboos along the banks of rivers and asked them to recommend short, medium and long term solutions.
As a start, P8 million was allotted for massive dredging activities, and P5 million for gabions. The amount will be taken from the 30 percent of the 5 percent calamity fund intended as Quick Response Fund for 2011, amounting to P18 million.
Another P13.5 million was allotted as assistance to 3,564 partially damaged houses at P2,500 each and P5,000 each for 1,388 totally damaged houses.
The other budget of P2.5 million is for the purchase of rice, P.5 million for fuel, and P1.5 million for goods, to be taken from the QRF of the 2010 calamity fund.*JG
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