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Philippines

Philippines: PGMA orders release of P15-M for rehab of typhoon-affected areas in Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya to release P15 million for the rehabilitation of typhoon-affected areas in the province.

The President issued the directive during the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) meeting she attended this afternoon at the residence of Virac Bishop Manolo delos Santos in Barangay Cavinitan here.

Andaya said the P15-million fund would come from the national government in addition to 1,000 bags of rice.

During the meeting, the President also ordered the Department of Education (DepEd) director for Region 5 (Bicol) to speed up the repair of all typhoon-damaged school buildings in the province.

The President arrived here from Manila at 2:30 p.m. and was welcomed by local officials led by Gov. Leandro Verceles, Virac Mayor Jose Alberto, and Catanduanes Lone District Rep. Joseph Santiago.

She was accompanied by Vice President Noli de Castro and Secretary Andaya.

Verceles reported to the President that the repair of power distribution lines in the province was still ongoing and potable water was available only in the town proper due to the effects of Typhoon "Reming" last Nov. 30.

Verceles said 17 persons died and 274 others were injured during the typhoon that affected some 36,000 families in the 11 towns of the province.

The howler destroyed about 16,000 houses and caused damage to agriculture estimated at P48 million. The damage to public infrastructure, mostly schools, was placed at P600 million.

Although countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Japan and the national government and private institutions have sent relief goods and other supplies, Verceles said the province still lacks medicines, food, clothing, and construction supplies for the affected areas.