Mayor Joseph Estrada has released another P24.05 million in funds to help high-risk barangays boost their disaster mitigation measures amid concerns over the susceptibility of many barangays in Manila to strong typhoons following the onslaught of typhoons Karen and Lawin.
Estrada said the amount represents the supplemental budget for this year of an initial batch of 38 barangays.
The budget can be used for drainage declogging operations and training of rescue volunteers.
“At times like these, the barangays need more support from the city government. They are the first responders when disasters and calamities strike. I hope they’ll use it well,” Estrada said.
He also urged barangay officials to regularly update their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan.
A recent study conducted by the University of the Philippines-School of Urban and Regional Planning showed that 620 barangays in Tondo, Sta. Cruz, Malate, Sampaloc, Paco, Quiapo, Binondo, Pandacan, Intramuros, Ermita, Port Area near Pasig River and its tributaries are high-risk areas for flooding.