Quick response fund ok’d
as destruction figures rise
STATE OF CALAMITY ALLOWS RELEASE
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan yesterday unanimously approved the request of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. to declare Negros Occidental under a state of calamity, and realigned P32 million to aid thousands of Negrenses who lost their houses to super typhoon Yolanda, and for other quick response needs.

In its special session, the SP also approved a resolution authorizing the governor to open an account at the Development Bank of the Philippines Bacolod Branch under the title “PGNO Donations for Disaster”, where monetary donations for typhoon victims can be deposited.

A Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office update yesterday showed 13,782 houses destroyed and 38,730 damaged in Negros Occidental, with 372,826 Negrenses affected by “Yolanda”.

Pagasa lifts storm
signal over Negros
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration yesterday lifted Storm Signal Number 1 over Negros Occidental as tropical depression “Zoraida” weakened into a low pressure area (LPA).

The Philippine Coast Guard at 4:30 p.m. yesterday lifted the suspension of sea travel out of Negros Occidental that began 5 p.m. Monday when Storm Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the province, PCG-Bacolod head, Lt. Commander Glen Daraug, said.

Bacolod Mayor Monico Puentevella who suspended classes in the pre-school and elementary levels in the city yesterday, said classes will resume today.

5-year-old dies
at sea, 3 survive
BY SHIELA GELERA

A 5-year-old girl died but three members of her family were rescued yesterday morning from the sea in Hinigaran town, Negros Occidental, after their pump boat capsized Monday.

Hinigaran Police deputy chief, Senior Police Officer 4 Vivencio Pacigado Jr., identified the fatality as Kate Villaluz.

Those who survived were Ernesto, 52, his wife Helen, 43, both surnamed Villaluz, and their niece Russel Gellor, 22, all of Brgy. Sabang, Sibunat town in Guimaras, Pacigado said.