Adopting the “We Vax as One” concept, Metro mayors have unanimously agreed to release PHP100 million to help local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas and Mindanao areas affected by Typhoon Odette.
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), through a resolution, will release the fund from the savings of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
“We are going to prioritize local government units stricken by Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 4 of Typhoon Odette,” MMDA Chair, Benhur Abalos, said in a news release on Monday.
“This financial aid will help, especially in these trying times. It’s Christmas after all, a time of sharing and giving,” he added.
Abalos said they opted for financial aid instead of relief goods because of the difficulty in transporting items in and out of the localities hit by the typhoon while several flights remain canceled.
“Affected LGUs are in the best position to decide how the fund can provide for the immediate needs of their constituents. We hope this aid will somehow alleviate the plight of the typhoon victims,” said Abalos.
ADDITIONAL FORCES. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair, Benhur Abalos (left), and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade talk to the rescue teams dispatched to Sorsogon in anticipation of the arrival of Typhoon Odette on Dec. 15, 2021. The typhoon damaged some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of MMDA)
Metro Manila mayors previously unified their pandemic response efforts through the “We Vax as One (We Vaccinate as One)” program to further accelerate the Covid-19 inoculation rollout.
Under the program, LGUs will inoculate even non-residents and those from neighboring provinces.
The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.
MMDA also deployed 62 personnel from the Public Safety Division, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office to Bohol on Sunday.
They brought chainsaws, floating pumps, generator sets, toolsets, and water purifiers, and tankers, among others, to assist in disaster response and clearing operations.
The teams likewise assisted in Tacloban City, Maasin, Sogod- Bontoc, and Isla Limasawa in Southern Leyte.
Ahead of the typhoon, the MMDA deployed a contingent team in response to the request of the provincial government of Sorsogon.
Other teams from the agency’s Public Safety Division were also sent to Panay Island to help in search and rescue operations.
Source: Philippines News Agency