QUAKE DAMAGE. An aerial photo showing the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake that hit the town of Itbayat Batanes last July 27. (Presidential Photo)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Negros Occidental provincial government has extended financial assistance worth PHP1 million to Batanes after the province’s town of Itbayat was struck by major earthquakes last July 27.
Governor Eugenio Lacson said in statement on Tuesday the donation is a gesture of support and shows that Negros Occidental is one with the other provinces in times of need.
The check was deposited by the provincial government to the Land Bank of the Philippines account of the Province of Batanes on Tuesday.
On July 30, the Provincial Board unanimously approved the donation through Resolution No. 0632.
The amount was sourced from the 2014 Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund-Special Trust Fund.
The entire Batanes province has been placed under a state of calamity following the major earthquakes that prompted almost 3,000 villagers to stay in makeshift tents in Itbayat town.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council reported that nine people were confirmed killed and close to PHP40 million worth of properties were damaged.
In 2017, Negros Occidental also donated a PHP1 million to Marawi City, and launched a campaign to raise funds and other forms of assistance for its rehabilitation dubbed “Negros Cares”. (PNA)
