The city government here has released a cash aid of PHP10,000 each to the 696 families whose houses were destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette last December 16.

The two-day distribution at the Gonzaga gym in Barangay Taculing was facilitated by the city’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said they have allocated more than PHP6.9 million for financial assistance to the typhoon victims.

On Friday, there were 464 recipients after the first 232 beneficiaries received the payout on Thursday.

Those who received assistance were residents of barangays Handumanan, Punta Taytay, Tangub, Pahanocoy, Alangilan, Mansilingan, Bata, Sum-ag and Montevista, Singcang-Airport, Banago, Mandalagan, Alijis, Cabug, Estefania, Granada, Vista Alegre, Villamonte and Felisa as well as those from 20 numbered villages.

Those with partially damaged houses will also get either PHP5,000 or PHP2,000 each, depending on the DSSD assessment.

Data from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) showed some 8,309 houses were partially damaged in 57 out of 61 barangays.

The CDRRMO’s post-typhoon update and the report of the DSSD were the basis of the City Council’s approval of the declaration of state calamity in Bacolod through Resolution 722.

In Presidential Proclamation 1267, President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity in Western Visayas, which also includes Bacolod. (PNA)