Bacolod City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is seeking an exemption from the Commission on Elections for the distribution of P91 million assistance from the National Housing Authority to the victims of typhoon Odette in the province, disclosed Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz recently.
A cash assistance of ₱ 5,000 per family affected by typhoon Odette has already been earmarked by the provincial government.
Diaz said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson petitioned the Comelec for an exemption after the NHA sent the memorandum of agreement to the province for signing.
The P91 million NHA housing assistance is expected to benefit 18,200 Negrense families, at P5000 per family.
Lacson earlier said that the distribution will be done based on the lists provided by the concerned local government units, to avoid duplication of assistance.
The provincial government already distributed P50 million worth of housing assistance to victims of typhoon in Hinobaan, Sipalay City, Ilog, Cauayan, Candoni, Isabela and Hinigaran before the start of the campaign period for the May 9 elections.
Diaz said he is hopeful the Comelec will act favorably on the request of Gov. Lacson, and for the NHA to assist the provincial government in completing all the needed requirements. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)