By Matthew Go
Nearly 8,000 families in Calamba City, who were devastated by the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami), are set to receive much-needed shelter assistance from the local government. The storm, which battered the region in late October, caused widespread damage to homes across 18 barangays, with many families experiencing total or partial destruction of their properties.
On November 7, 2024, the local government commenced the distribution of emergency shelter assistance at the Rizal Coliseum, with the first batch of beneficiaries including 926 families whose homes were completely destroyed, and 2, 076 families whose homes sustained partial damage. Each family whose home was completely destroyed will receive PHP 10, 000, while those with partial damage will get PHP 5, 000 to help with rebuilding efforts.
Celine Manabat, head of the City Social Services and Youth Development Department (CSSYD), emphasized the critical role of the assistance in providing immediate relief to families in distress. “The severe toll that Storm Kristine took on homes in our city has been immense. Our priority is to help these families rebuild their lives as quickly as possible,” Manabat said. The CSSYD is currently processing additional applications from other affected families who were unable to submit their requests on time.
The emergency shelter aid is made possible through the Calamity Fund, with the Calamba City Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) passing Resolution No. 543 on October 27, which officially declared the city under a state of calamity. This resolution paved the way for the immediate release of funds, allowing the local government to act quickly in supporting affected residents. The second batch of distribution, which will include 3, 815 families with partial damage and 218 families with total destruction, is scheduled for November 11, 2024.