Davao Region needs P23.7-B to recover from disasters

DAVAO CITY – The Office of Civil Defense in the Davao Region (OCD-11) is awaiting the P23.7 billion reconstruction fund needed to fully recover from the disaster effects of the shear line and trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) earlier this year.

"Although we have done the technicalities of the projects for the P23.7 billion, the question is the fund (itself)," OCD-11 Director Ednar Dayangirang told reporters here Tuesday.

Of the amount, Dayanghirang said at least P17.3 billion will be for the reconstruction of the infrastructure sector (transportation, water, power and flood control); P2.4 billion for the social sector (education, health and housing); P3.7 billion for the productive sector (tourism, agriculture and industry trade and service); and P202.5 million for governance and environment.

The weather-borne disasters in January destroyed infrastructure facilities, displaced families and individuals, and disrupted livelihood.

Dayanghirang said a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) estimated the effect of the calamity at P11.9 billion.

Based on the data of the OCD-11, the disaster-affected local government units target implementing projects for restoring livelihoods this year and infrastructure facilities within 2025-2027.

The shear line and trough of LPA within the first two months of this year affected Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

Flooding and rain-induced landslides were reported, damaging some of the provinces' lifeline utilities, housing facilities, agricultural and fishery outputs, and services. (PNA)