Press Release - Gatchalian highlights critical role of LGU disaster preparedness in calamities; delivers aid to Bicol

Senator Win Gatchalian said the disaster preparedness program of concerned local government units is critical to minimize damage from natural calamities as he turned over a total of P15.75 million in food and cash assistance to flood victims in Bicol, the region that bore the brunt of Tropical Storm Kristine.

"We need to empower local government units to build their respective disaster preparedness programs so they can effectively mitigate the impact of natural calamities," Gatchalian said.

The senator made the statement as he noted the extent of damage wrought by Tropical Storm Kristine in many communities in the Bicol Region, where 54 areas were flooded, adversely affecting about half a million families. In a bid to support the recovery and rehabilitation of these communities, Gatchalian provided P4.75 million worth of food donation and P11 million in cash assistance to the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte.

In Albay, Gatchalian turned over P950,000 worth of food donation and P2.35 million in cash assistance to Governor Grex Lagman to be distributed to flood victims in Legazpi City and the towns of Guinobatan, Daraga, Polangui, and Oas.

Gatchalian also turned over P2.85 million worth of food donation and P6.55 million in cash assistance to Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte for distribution to flood victims in the cities of Naga and Iriga and the municipalities of Nabua, Libmanan, Minalabac, Buhi, Tinambac, Calabanga, Bula, Baao, Canaman, Garchitorena, San Fernando, Ocampo, Pasacao Balatan. Pili, Bato, Lagonoy, Caramoan, and Goa.

Further, Gatchalian turned over P950,000 worth of food donation and P2.1 million in cash assistance to Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla for distribution to victims of 'Kristine' in the municipalities of Vinzons, Jose Panganiban, Daet, Labo, and Mercedes.

To help build the resiliency capacities of LGUs in the country, Gatchalian had earlier filed Senate Bill No. 939, An Act Expanding The Application Of The Local Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Fund, amending Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Gatchalian hopes that the