By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Government has pledged to prioritize aid for typhoon-affected communities over extravagant Christmas celebrations as December approaches.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized that the province would focus its resources on helping those in need, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to scale down holiday festivities.
“We will help more than we spend,” Defensor said.
He confirmed that the province is preparing an allocation of PHP 8 million from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) fund.
The aid will target local government units (LGUs) severely affected by recent typhoons.
While Christmas decorations at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol will remain part of its tourism program, Defensor said funds initially intended for grand celebrations would be redirected to relief efforts.
“We are finalizing the details with PDRRMO. We will prioritize the areas that need the most help because we cannot support everyone. This is in accordance with the President’s directive,” he said.
The province has allocated PHP 4.8 million for this year’s annual Christmas lighting ceremony, themed “Christmas Village sa Makabagong Pilipinas,” which will open on Dec. 6.
Earlier, Malacañang called on government offices to scale down Christmas celebrations and concentrate on aiding communities devastated by recent typhoons.
November was particularly challenging for the Philippines, as the country experienced four typhoons in just 10 days, making it the most active November on record.
