The local inter-agency technical working group (TWG) created by the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 7 is set to hold a strategic action plan on April 25-26 for Negros Oriental areas affected by the February 6 earthquake.
The TWG will prepare and monitor the implementation of the action plan which includes the rehabilitation and restoration of infrastructure support system of the province that were badly hit by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
The earthquake severely affected the municipalities of Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad and the city of Guihulngan with more than 50 casualties and 60 missing.
The tremor also damaged more than 15,000 houses, shattered infrastructure facilities, roads and bridges, school and public buildings, waterworks and irrigation systems in the province.
With the strategic plan, both the national and local governments can provide long-term rehabilitation and recovery of the earthquake-stricken areas.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Jocelyn Gongob, who is also the executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), serves as the chair of the TWG.
In a PDRRMC meeting held recently, Gongob said a timeline has been set with the completion of the plan scheduled on May for the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and PDRRMC to review and approve.
The plan approved by both PDC and PDRRMC will be endorsed to the RDC as requirement to ensure the inclusion in the Regional Development Investment Program to fund the programs, activities and projects.
However, some projects in the plan will also be funded by PDC, PDRRMC and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. (RMN/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)
