Kalinga pushes P3-B 'Ompong' rehab, infra normalization plan

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council proposed a P3billion rehabilitation and recovery plan to bring the province back to normal after the onslaught of typhoon ‘Ompong’ last month.

Assistant PDRRMO Richard Anniban said the amount covers P2B for agriculture and P1B for infrastructure.

 Kalinga’s agriculture sector, particularly rice, corn and vegetable farmers suffered heavy losses, while government infra facilities that include roads, bridges, flood-control, schools, irrigation canals and power line also incurred serious damages.

                Anniban said the plan has been submitted to the National Economic Development Authority.

                Two weeks after ‘Ompong’, the Kalinga Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO) has restored power in 80 percent of its service area. Restoration is targeted to be completed within the month.

                Of the more than 18,000 families affected, 10,833 were left with houses partially damaged while 94 totally lost their houses.

Provincial Agriculturist Domingo Bakilan noted crop damages would have been higher had rice plants already reached the flowering stage when the typhoon came.

Gov. Jocel C. Baac said he hopes the plan will provide roadmap for the faster rehabilitation and recovery of the province from the devastation left by ‘Ompong’. -- PIA Kalinga