Thousands of farmers and fisherfolk affected by the onslaught of El Niño phenomenon last year until early this year in Davao City received assistance from the city government.
Chief Information Officer JefryTupas said on Tuesday that the continuing distribution of food assistance that include rice and canned goods started in the middle of this month and has already reached around 37,000 farmers and 927 fishermen in the city.
Tupas said the assistance was approved by the city government through a resolution declaring the affected areas under the state of calamity due to the prolonged drought.
Most of the farms devastated by the dry spell were in the districts of Calinan, Tugbok, Marilog, Paquibato and Toril.
The city government also handed to recipients 981 sacks of rice in the area of Tapak and 1,300 in Colosas, both in Paquibato District.
Meanwhile, the city government of Davao also extended assistance to 121 families and 27 individuals affected by the fire that hit Barangay Tomas Monteverde in Agdao District last Sunday.
The City Social Services and Development Office reported that most of the fire victims who lost their houses are temporarily staying at the barangay covered court in the area.
The city government provided them with food packs, sleeping mats and medicines, the CIO reported.
Financial assistance will also be given to the victims – PHp10,000 for owners whose houses were completely destroyed by the fire and PHp5,000 for those whose houses were partially damaged.
Renters and boarders affected will also receive cash assistance while mothers and children will be provided with stress debriefing sessions by the CSSDO. (PNA)
