BAGUIO CITY—The Department of the Interior and Local Government Cordillera is urging all local government units (LGUs) in the region to distribute food, non-food, and other relief items and cash assistance fairly to the communities affected by the recent magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
“To our LGUs, please distribute food and non-food items and donations equitably to all affected families including internally displaced persons and families especially those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs),” said Araceli San Jose, Regional Director of DILG and Vice-chairperson for disaster preparedness during the press briefing here.
Adding, “Let’s bring our aid closer to them, as we are at the front lines of providing services in these trying times. Let us do it even if it means bringing our assistance to their doorstep. Let’s refrain from making them wait in line before helping them,” she said.
“We have been receiving complaints about the unfair distribution of aids and the politicization of such distribution. We are conducting fact-finding to check the veracity of these complaints. We do not want these reports to reach our Central Office. Hence, we are enjoining the proper distribution and provision of aids by our LGUs. As much as possible, we do not want show cause orders to be issued to our local officials, especially in these stressful and trying times,” she said.
RD San Jose also advised the LGUs to use their allocated 30 percent Quick Response Fund (QRF) to immediately assist earthquake-stricken in Abra.
“Our LGUs should also be guided by their disaster contingency and response plans. You have formulated these plans for a reason. You may also seek assistance from our Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through the Office of Civil Defense and align your local plans based on the prescribed contingency and response measures,” she said.
Noting, “Despite being shaken of the recent earthquake, we are still standing. Because of our resiliency as Cordillerans, and our ‘Binnadang’ spirit, we will soon recover and become better and more resilient,” she said.
Adhering to Minimum Public Health Standards
Meanwhile, RD San Jose reminded the LGUs of their roles in the implementation of the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, and Reintegration (PDITR) strategy as COVID-19 remains a threat in the region.
“Strictly ensure the adherence to MPHS in your localities, including social distancing and mandatory and proper wearing of face masks most especially in evacuation centers,” she said.
She also reminded the public that, while the government is strengthening PDITR implementation at the local level, the best defense against any COVID-19 variant is still the correct and consistent adherence to the minimum public health standards and getting vaccinated. **PMTG/DILG-CAR