By CESAR JOLITO III
La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor said the P10-million assistance extended by Malacañang following the widespread devastation of Typhoon “Tino” in the town remains untouched as the locality continues to comply with mandatory government processes.
“We have not been able to use the P10 million because we are following the required processes. After [the Sangguniang Bayan’s] approval, it will be sent to the Office of the President [for confirmation]. Only then can it be used,” Nicor said in an interview with Watchmen Daily Journal yesterday.
Only after these steps can the local government legally utilize the funds.
Añejo stressed the clarification to dispel public confusion regarding ongoing assistance efforts, particularly among families whose homes were totally or partially damaged.
He underscored that the P10,000 (totally damaged) and P5,000 (partially damaged) cash aid will not come from the Malacañang allocation.
Instead, these amounts are from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which already has the beneficiaries listed in its database.
“I want to make this very clear, especially to the affected families. Your names are already listed, so let us all wait patiently,” he added.
Nicor emphasized that before the municipality can finally access the Malacañang fund, all requirements must be completed, including returning the documentation to the Office of the President for confirmation.
La Castellana prepares allocation plan
He said the local government unit (LGU) is already drafting a utilization plan that may include allocations for fuel assistance, road diversion works, food support, and other essential needs.
“The LGU is not only focused on one type of aid. We want to help in all possible ways,” he said.
A Sangguniang resolution detailing how the municipality intends to use the P10 million is also being prepared for submission to the Office of the President.
Relocation for no-build zones
Nicor also assured residents living along riverbanks — now declared no-build zones — that relocation sites will be provided.
He appealed for their patience as the local government continues to work “day and night” to support the town’s recovery from “Tino.” /CJ, WDJ