Storm hits 610 Baguio families, 2,573 persons; gov’t gives food, cash

By Gaby B. Keith and Jessa Mardy Samidan

BAGUIO CITY -- A total of 610 families composed of 2,573 individuals were affected during the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘Egay’ in this summer capital according to the July 26, final situational report of the City Social Welfare and Development Office under Liza Bulayungan.
    It disclosed 64 families (274 individuals) were sheltered in the city’s 12 evacuation centers during the calamity while 546 families (2,299 persons) were served outside the evacuation centers.
    The city government provided 680 food packs costing P272,000 and financial assistance worth P40,000 while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supplied 25 hygiene kits valued at P32,500 and P650,000 in financial assistance.
    Relief assistance amounting to P95,165 was donated by good Samaritans, the report stated.
    Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office Cordillera (DSWD) provided 25 hygiene kits equivalent to P32,500 in monetized value aside from P650,000 financial assistance to the affected families.
    Additional P95,165 relief assistance was also provided by other sources such as anonymous donors.
    For donations in kind coordinated with the CSWDO, 64 sacks of assorted vegetables were given by the La Trinidad Trading Post which were distributed to the affected families at the different barangays on August 1 and 2, 2023.
    A total of 250 beneficiaries from barangays Bakaengk Central, Bakakeng Norte/Sur, Sto. Tomas Central, Sto. Tomas Proper and Dontogan received their Food Assistance from MegaPines Realty and Development Corporation and TG Home Builders represented by its President, Mr. Fernando Tiong on August 1, 2023 at the Bakakeng Central Evacuation Center.

Earlier on July 31, SM Foundation distributed food packs to 250 families at Asin Road, San Luis Village and Victoria Village.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation-Mobility, represented by its Assistant Vice President for Business Dev't, Donald Saurombe, also donated 50 food packs to families from various barangays whose houses were severely affected and totally damaged by the typhoon.

Based on the incident report of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, typhoon Egay damaged a total of 287 houses in the city with 14 totally destroyed and 273 partially damaged mostly due to flood, landslide, blown roof by strong winds and fallen trees.

It disclosed that the most affected barangays were Irisan, Asin Road, Honeymoon-Holyghost, Loakan Proper and Bakakeng Norte/Sur while the top causes of affection were floods, landslides, blown roofs due to strong winds, and fallen trees.

Bulayungan said those wanting to donate relief goods for those affected by ‘Egay’ like food can coordinate with her office at 422-6056 (landline) or mobile numbers 09497809819 and 09196605613.

Cash donations can be deposited at Land Bank with account name: City Government of Baguio and account no. 3552100661. If deposited, send a copy of the deposit slip at cto.baguio@gmail.com. Cash donations can also be given at the City Treasury Office at City Hall and proper receipts will be provided for every donation according to City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias.