MANILA, Nov. 22 (PNA) — Provinces in Region 8 hit-hard by Typhoon Yolanda will receive their internal revenue allotment (IRA) for December totalling to P1.57 billion by the end of this month.
This is on top of the P1.57 billion the provinces received this month, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the early release of the December IRA will be done to help the local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas in the restoration of delivery of basic goods and services.
“At the same time, the DBM continues to work with other agencies on ensuring the continuous provision of quick assistance and relief operations to LGUs affected by the typhoon,” he said.
The provinces in Region 8 are Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar and Southern Leyte.
Abad said DBM regional offices are working hard to fast-track the release of the typhoon-affected provinces despite difficulties in communications and operations.
“However, we can guarantee that enough funds will be made available to our local governments so they can strengthen their respective post-calamity activities and ensure that basic services and goods are still being provided to their constituents,” he added.
Abad said the government continues to have a total of P25.37 billion in savings that can be tapped for the relief efforts in areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
Specifically, the funds are the P12.58 billion savings, P6.4 billion President’s Social Fund, P4.19 billion Quick Relief Funds, P1.28 billion Calamity Funds, and P824 million Contingency Funds. (PNA)