Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) distributed relief assistance to affected families in Victorias, E. B. Magalona, Silay and Talisay over the weekend, and assessed the damages to the various barangays brought about by the heavy rains and flooding last week, a press release from his office said.

With Engineer Emmanuel Abaygar of the Department of Public Works and Highways and staff, Benitez also inspected the waterways , the condition of bridges and roads affected by the heavy downpour and floods.

He discussed with the local government officials in the district led by their mayors and the barangay leaders, the need to fast-track clearing and dredging of rivers and other waterways, in anticipation of the impact of the La Nina that is expected to last till April this year, as well as coordinating efforts to train community-based workers and volunteers for disaster management, the press release said.

The solon also announced plans to spearhead a district-wide command center for disaster management, and to help provide rescue equipment and facilities.

On Saturday, Benitez visited affected barangays in E. B. Magalona with Mayor David Lacson; Talisay with Mayor Eric Saratan; and Silay with Mayor Jose Montelibano and Vice Mayor Mark Golez, with some councilors, barangay captains and kagawads and representatives from the DSWD, the press release said.

Board Member Thea Dino representing the Sangguniang Kabtaan Federation of Negros Occidental also led distribution of stuffed toys gathered from various donations, for children of affected families. The various affected barangays of Victorias were visited yesterday, the press release said.

Relief assistance consisted of rice facilitated by Benitez from the national office of the DSWD and canned foods and packs of noodles, the press release added.*

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