PH allots P38.8 billion for speedy 'Yolanda' aid

MANILA - The Philippine government is allotting P38.8 billion in immediate assistance to the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda", Budget Secretary Butch Abad said Thursday. Abad said this came out of yesterday's Cabinet meeting on the recovery and rehab plan for Yolanda-hit areas. The amount will be used to sustain the urgent needs of typhoon survivors including food supplies and provisions for temporary shelters. "P38.8 billion yan yung immediate. Yung pangmatagalan yung sabi ng NEDA ay kailangan matiyak yung data para ng sa gayon realistic. Abad also clarified that most of the donations from foreign countries do not pass through the government. He said many foreign countries only inform the Department of Foreign Affairs about the assistance to typhoon victims and most of the aid are sent through various international relief organizations. Other foreign organizations are also helping out by offering substantial loans. Abad said these loans will be made available next year. The death toll due to Yolanda has reached 5,560, while over 1,700 remain missing. ANC Dateline Philippines, November 28, 2013