Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help victims of last year’s supertyphoon Yolanda in his area, hundreds of whom still live in tents.
In yesterday’s 888 News Forum, Salimbangon said the release of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) to affected families in his district is long overdue.
“Naabtan na lang ug laing bagyo (We’ve been hit by a new typhoon) but the ESA intended for super typhoon Yolanda victims wala gihapon ma-release (wasn’t released). We ran out of reasons now,” Salimbangon said. He said he talked with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman last week. “She (Soliman) promised that the budget will be released by the first quarter of next year,” Salimbangon said.
Under the ESA program, those who lost their homes can receive P30,000 while those whose homes were damaged can receive P10,000. Salimbangon said
He said hundreds of families still live in tents especially in Bantayan Island and Bogo City.