Davao City Council Approves P3.6 Million in Disaster Aid for Typhoon Basyang Victims
In a significant move to support communities devastated by natural disasters, the 21st Davao City Council has authorized the release of P3.6 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) that have declared a state of calamity following Typhoon Basyang. This decision underscores the city's commitment to providing relief without political bias, as emphasized by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations.
Allocation Details and Recipient LGUs
The aid package will benefit one province, one city, and seven municipalities, with funds distributed as follows:
- Surigao del Sur province: P1 million
- Iligan City: P500,000
- Municipalities of Lanuza, Cortes, Madrid, Bayabas, Cagwait, Carmen, and San Miguel: P300,000 each
During the council session on Tuesday, February 24, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Dayanghirang highlighted the inclusive nature of the assistance, stating, "Without any preferences, political affiliation, religion, bisag kalaban sa politika (even if we are not friends in politics), we give disaster assistance to any LGUs located here in the Philippines." This initiative marks the first time in 2026 that Davao City has extended cash aid to calamity-stricken LGUs, following a request from City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark H. Layog to Vice Mayor Rodrigo 'Rigo' Duterte II.
Background on Typhoon Basyang's Impact
The need for this assistance stems from the severe damage caused by Typhoon Basyang, which prompted Surigao del Sur's Sangguniang Panlalawigan to declare a state of calamity on February 9, 2026. The storm impacted approximately 336,671 individuals from 89,816 families across 249 barangays, affecting 52.44 percent of the province's population. Notably, 30 percent of those affected were displaced to evacuation centers or relatives' homes, with infrastructure, homes, roads, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries suffering an estimated P1.4 billion in damages.
Other LGUs also declared states of calamity in response to the typhoon: Iligan City on February 6, Lanuza, Cortes, Madrid, and Cagwait on February 10, and Bayabas and Carmen on February 11. Dayanghirang noted that the 2026 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund–Quick Response Fund still holds a balance of P235,203,855, ensuring continued support for future emergencies.
DPWH Efforts to Clear Landslide Debris
In related recovery efforts, personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been actively working this week to clear mud and debris from a landslide that obstructed a section of the national highway linking Lanuza and Cortes towns in Surigao del Sur. This cleanup operation is crucial for restoring transportation routes and facilitating access for aid and reconstruction in the affected areas, demonstrating ongoing government response to the typhoon's aftermath.
