STATE OF CALAMITY. Torrential rains destroy a house in Tobias Fornier town on Aug.28, 2023. The Provincial Board placed Antique under a state of calamity during its regular session on Monday (Sept. 11, 2023) (PNA photo courtesy of Antique Province)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Antique is now under a state of calamity due to the impact of the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Goring following its declaration by the Provincial Board during its regular session on Monday.
The Provincial Board unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Board Member Emmanuel Palacios Jr., calling for the declaration that will pave the way to the fast-tracking of the provision of assistance to affected families.
“With the Antique provincial board declaring the state of calamity, Governor Rhodora Cadiao is now authorized to utilize the quick response fund (QRF) for the early relief and recovery of the affected areas,” Palacios said in an interview.
Bad weather on Aug. 28-29 brought heavy rains and moderate to strong winds that caused floods, landslides, and coastal erosion, damaging infrastructures, lifelines, and agriculture all in the province, the resolution read.
Palacios said of the PHP9.188 million from the QRF, PHP1,000,000 will be for the procurement of shelter material (plywood) and hygiene kits; shelter repair kits/tools worth PHP1,000,000; food assistance or relief goods, PHP3,973,081; and financial assistance to totally and partially damaged houses, PHP3,215,000.
Owners of 92 destroyed houses will receive assistance amounting to PHP10,000 each, while the 459 partially damaged houses will each have PHP5,000. (PNA)
