By WENDY ATUBAN WITH REPORTS FROM AILEEN REFUERZO
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Taken by the overwhelming impact of Typhoon Pepeng, whose aftermath left thousands bereaved and homeless, the city council promptly acted to amend the ordinance on standardized financial assistance for disaster victims in favor of almost a 100% increase in monetary aid.

Assistance to death is increased from 10,000 to 20,000 per death while 13,000 is the maximum amount given to each dead rescuer, volunteer or any person actively involved in operation to help victims.

Also, financial assistance of 20,000 shall be extended to the family of each missing person after the tenth day since the person was reported missing. For totally damaged residential houses, the previous 10,000 peso assistance is doubled to 20,000 while partially damaged abodes get a minimum of 1,000 and maximum of 10,000. For victims who have sustained injuries, each are entitled to a maximum of 10,000.

The said assistance is on top the P10,000 per death from the office of the President and another 10,000 per death from the office of Civil Defense.

City Administrator Peter Fianza during his presentation of the latest developments in the ongoing search and rescue operations appealed that even the families of the missing be given financial assistance which the council heeded and also, a one million additional fund asked by Fianza for the search and rescue operations.
Updates

Last Thursday, the following measures were also approved:
— Resolution by Councilor Rocky Thomas Balisong asking the electric engineers association and the city buildings and architecture office to render free services to typhoon victims;
— Resolution authored by Councilor Richard Carino waiving burial fees for the victims;
— Resolutions authored by Tabanda requesting companies to impose moratorium on utility, bank and hospital bills and encouraging citizens’ participation in the repair and relief efforts through the “Food for Work” program.

List of fatalities
Pacita Martinez, 75 of East Bayan, Aurora Hill; Alberto Navalta, Sr., 65; Blessilda Navalta, 61; Mark Herbert Gorospe, 16; Aris Sabado , 16, all of Camelia St. Upper Rock Quarry; Atanacio Cutit; Perlita Cutit, 58, Rosita Cutit, 55, Crispin Cutit, 25 all of PNB Ville, Marcos Highway; Simeon Picar Sr, 40; Leonora Picar, 28; Edmon Picar, 11; Edison picar, 9; Ludee Boy Picar, 9; Jennifer Picar, 5; Pamela Picar, 3; Simeon Picar, Jr, 1 all of Lower Kitma

Peter Tumayan, 63; Benedict Tumayan, 32 of Purok 6, Pinsao Proper; Florence Myka Munio, 12; Evelyn Cardenas; Bee Mark Cardenas, 9; Jonathan Cardenand, 29; Erma Acosta;
Michael Acosta; Marivic Santos, 38; Benjie Ruiz, 21; Norberto Oliveros, 38; Maricar Ninobla, 19; Arnel Ventura, 25; Kris Carreon, 16; Clarita Ruiz, 64; Arthus Ventura Sr.; John Michael Hernandez, 7; Jonnel Velez; Evelyn Velez, 36; Aira Carreon; Merlinda Carreon; Tony Osorio Carreon, 52; Eddie Acosta, 42; Elvira Ventura; Marjorie Santos, 13 all of Cresensia Village;
Arriana Dulay, 9; Eden Chamos, 28; mely Tacloy, 58; Marilou Dampaso, 37; Jeric Dampaso, 2; Terson Tuangan, 15; Wilson Tuangan, 10; Tessie Tuangan, 36;
Damilo Semilla, 48; Rostun Alatan, 5; Ahron Uson, 26; Luningning Bagtasos, 48; Gloria Tubal, 51; Kris Codio, 34; Renato Gazmen, 61; Sandra Tacloy, 24; Wendell Santella, 24 of Purok 1, Irisan;
Michelle Elio, 18 of Balenben, Irisan; and Romeo Owaban of Springhill, Apugan, Loakan. # nordis.net