The City Government of Naga, Cebu will start distributing this week ten (10) kilos of rice to every Nagahanon family as part of its relief assistance to alleviate the adverse effects of El Niño. The distribution of rice bags came a month after the City Council held a special session on April 04, 2024 approving Resolution No. 1174-2024 which formally declared the entire City of Naga under a state of calamity following the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The declaration of a citywide state of calamity will authorize the Office of the City Mayor to gain access to the calamity fund and use it for relief and rehabilitation assistance to the affected city residents. The families of Barangay Alpaco, an upland village, were the first batch of beneficiaries to receive the rice subsidy, which was held at the barangay covered court on Thursday, May 09, 2024.
Members of the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) and a City Hall composite team came in full force to personally assist the distribution of the rice aid to the recipients totaling 1,360 families. Alpaco Barangay Captain Rogelio C. Ababa heaped praises on Mayor Valdemar M. Chiong for taking the initiative of providing such a quick relief assistance to his constituents, majority of whom are agricultural crop farmers. “We truly appreciate the initiative of Mayor Val. This 10-kilo of rice is indeed a welcome relief for us to at least soften the negative impact of El Niño,” said Ababa in his welcome speech. Speaking on behalf of Mayor Val, City Councilor Clint Isidro A. Chiong assured that the City Government will continue to provide relief assistance to the Nagahanons, whose daily sustenance and sources of livelihood have been adversely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
Councilor Chiong, the SP Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, also sincerely expressed his appreciation to the attending residents, saying their presence was an indication of their positive response to the various programs of the City Government. Apart from Alpaco, the rest of the barangays comprising the first batch that have been scheduled to receive rice assistance this month are as follows: Balirong, Cabungahan, Cantao-an, Cogon, South Poblacion, West Poblacion, North Poblacion, Central Poblacion, East Poblacion, Naalad, Tangke and Colon.