By Janice Cave
MANILA, (PNA) — The government assured Monday it is doing its best to ensure that enough aid is given in all affected areas and has ample supply of relief goods for distribution to victims of the 7.2 magnitude tremor that hit Central Visayas last week.
However, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)Executive Director Eduardo del Rosario admitted lack of manpower hampers the distribution of relief goods especially in areas isolated due to damaged roads and bridges.
“‘Yung nagsasabi na ‘di nakakatanggap ng relief, more on the distribution system na ‘yan na ‘di pa plantsado. Ang problema natin dito ay distribution, really. ‘Yan ang nagkakaroon tayo ng konting problema because we need manpower,” he said at a media briefing in Malacanang.
Reports say many affected areas in Bohol, particularly remote villages in the towns of Loboc and Loon, have not been reached by government relief efforts.
When asked if the government has enough supply of funds, he said “Sapat po ang relief goods na binibigay ng gobyerno. Even private groups ay nagbibigay. Ang pondo po natin ay sapat, sobra-sobra nga ang pondo na ibinibigay. Maraming relief goods sa municipal halls.”
Residents also complain that relief goods being distributed to them are not enough.
DSWD Director for Relief Operations Restituto Macuto said the department is set to buy P103 million worth of food packs which will be good for five days.
“Ito ay para hindi na sila pipila every other day,” Macuto said as he urged residents who haven’t been provided relief goods to call or text their names and locations at 09209463766.
He said they have released P6.9 million worth of relief goods since the disaster struck last week.
As of Monday morning, the NDRRMC placed the death toll has risen to 186, at least 583 were injured, while 11 remain missing.
Estimated total cost of damage in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental is now at P867.24 million.
As of October 20, 115,636 food packs have already been distributed to 26 municipalities in Bohol, according to the the DSWD.
Meanwhile, NDRRMC Spokesperson Rey Balido Jr said families of those who died will get financial assistance of P10,000 while the injured will get P5,000 each.