Davao City LGU to provide rice assistance to drought-affected farmers in NothCot

DAVAO CITY, April 5 (PIA) The Office of the City Administrator has asked the concurrence of the Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Dabaw to send several sacks of rice to the local government of Kidapawan City to assist the hungry farmers affected by the long dry spell.

Melchor Quitain, city administrator said the assistance costs P31-Million and will be taken from the city’s calamity fund.

He said the funds will be used to purchase the rice which will be delivered to Kidapawan City.

Quitain stressed that the move must be cleared first from the Commission on Elections since it is election time.

He said the Philippine Nation Red Cross also needs to be informed being one of the requirements that need to be complied since it involves the allocation of funds to be used in a calamity-stricken area like the impact of the long drought.

“We are allowed by law to provide assistance based on the calamity fund to any local government unit provided the concerned LGU also declared a state of calamity in the place,” Quitain said.

He stressed that the Davao City LGU is concerned with the plight of the people.

Quitain expressed hope that the Sangguniang Panlungsod will agree to extending assistance to the farmers.

He also assured that the city coffers still have enough to respond to its own calamity needs.

“We are uncertain of the events in the next coming months.  For all you know, we will also be needing the funds for the city’s needs,” Quitain said.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)