Isolated rain showers forecast for the province
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government recently pledged aid to earthquake-affected areas of Mindanao. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, said the amount will be determined by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
In addition, Capiz Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras earlier vowed to donate P100,000, or one month’s salary, to the relief effort. Tapaz Mayor Roberto Palomar also said he would be sending P200,000 to Armando Quibod, mayor of Makilala, North Cotabato.
According to disaster authorities, the death toll from the recent earthquakes that jolted Mindanao this week stands at 17.
Additionally, Cotabato, one of the hardest hit provinces, has declared a state of calamity.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said it also raised its alert status to “Blue,” in order for personnel to coordinate response efforts in affected areas.
For those interested in contributing to the relief effort, the Office of Civil Defense encourages donating potable water, tents and shelter materials, sleeping kits, kitchenware, and hygiene kits.
Meanwhile, Caelian said Negros Occidental is expected to continue experiencing isolated rainshowers due to a lingering cold front and Tropical Storm Quiel, which is expected to leave the country on November 10.
He also reminded the public, particularly those living in landslide and flood-prone areas, to take precautionary measures./DGB, WDJ