(Photo courtesy of PIA)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The provincial government of Laguna has received P50 million from the national government under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) to repair damaged infrastructure and support communities affected by recent disasters.
Governor Sol Aragones received the allocation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a ceremony at Malacañang on November 5.
Aragones thanked the administration for providing financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) and allowing them to determine how best to address their communities’ needs.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kasi katulad din ng mga nakaraang pondo na ibinigay, nakita namin na parang walang pinili, lahat ng probinsya, lahat ng munisipalidad at cities ay nabigyan ng tulong,” Aragones said.
She said the funding would help rehabilitate bridges, drainage systems and other infrastructure damaged by the enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng.
The governor also welcomed the national government’s decision to give LGUs greater flexibility in identifying priority projects based on local conditions.
“Sa aking pagtingin naman, nakita ko na talagang pinalakas ang LGU ng national government. So ibig sabihin, malaya ang bawat probinsya, ang bawat munisipalidad, ang bawat siyudad na makapili kung ano ba talaga ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng kanilang lugar,” she added.
Aside from infrastructure rehabilitation, Aragones raised concerns over the possible impact of a very strong El Niño, particularly on food and water supplies.
She said Laguna, which has an estimated population of 3.6 million, must prepare to assist vulnerable communities and schools amid rising temperatures and potential water shortages.
“Tinitingnan kong prayoridad ang pagkain, tubig, tulong na puwedeng ibigay sa mga eskwelahan dahil ang populasyon ng lalawigan ng Laguna ay 3.6 million [at] napakaraming estudyante,” Aragones said.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CALABARZON, approximately P425 million in DRRAP assistance has been allocated to 19 LGUs across the region, including Laguna.
The OCD will provide technical guidance to recipient LGUs to ensure compliance with funding requirements, proper project implementation and transparent use of public funds.
Nationwide, the government has approved approximately P8.6 billion in disaster rehabilitation assistance for 306 LGUs affected by calamities between 2024 and 2026.
Of the total allocation, more than P6 billion has already been released, while another P2.5 billion is being processed for distribution to local governments.
Authorities reminded recipient LGUs to prioritize urgent recovery projects and ensure that assistance reaches disaster-affected communities.
