The national government on Saturday raised the projected budget for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda to P40.9 billion.
According to a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” Saturday evening, the Presidential Communications Operations Office announced the increase in the rehabilitation fund from P38.8 billion after the costs of rebuilding local government buildings and facilities were factored in.
The P40.9 billion rehabilitation fund will be allocated as follows:
- 67 percent for construction of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and other facilities
- 12 percent for livelihood projects
- 11 percent for local facilities
- 9 percent for social services, including health services and education
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the typhoon caused P30.6 billion in damage. The typhoon left at least 5,602 dead, and 26,136 injured. Another 1,759 have yet to be accounted for.
On Thursday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the P38.8 billion in government funds that has been “approved in principle” by President Benigno Aquino III will be used to bankroll “critical and immediate interventions” that also include housing assistance for displaced typhoon survivors.
