By CESAR JOLITO III

The P45-million Presidential Assistance Fund pledged to six local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental affected by Typhoon “Tino” has yet to be released, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Negros Island Region.

OCD Regional Director Donato Sermeno III confirmed that the fund, intended to support rehabilitation efforts in severely affected areas, remains under processing for release.

Sermeno said that, while no specific release date has been set, he believes the funds will be made available soon given the urgent needs of affected residents.

The P45-million allocation was earlier announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during her visit to Negros Occidental on Tuesday, November 11, where she met with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to discuss ongoing rehabilitation and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by “Tino.”

Under the approved allocation, La Carlota City and the towns of La Castellana and Moises Padilla will each receive P10 million, while the municipalities of Binalbagan, Isabela and Hinigaran will each get P5 million.

The funds are meant to support rehabilitation of public infrastructure, livelihood recovery and assistance to displaced families.

Frasco said the aid, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and restore essential services in the hardest-hit communities./CJ, WDJ