Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman together with Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman graced the distribution of Flooding Incidence Payout under the DSWD Assistance to Individual in Crisis program, February 14 at Aguada West Terminal Multipurpose Hall.

A total of 297 families from the barangays affected by flooding caused by LPA-induced incessant rains on December 25 and January 11, 58 families received P10,000 for full damages, while 239 families received P5,000, which was made possible by the Office of the Deputy Minority Floor Leader and Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman in partnership with Department of Social Welfare and Development and LGU-Isabela City.

In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman emphasized the importance of discussing climate change because the world is changing. “’Wag na tayong maghintay na magbaha ulit bago tayo magusap, maghanap ng solusyon.”

She also mentioned areas that could be improved, such as the Baluno River, which needs to be dredged, and Menzi, which is being impacted by the construction of a diversion road.

Meanwhile, Representative Hataman reminded everyone that the assistance they will receive is only temporary, and that if given the choice between rice and canned food, Isabeleños should choose that there should be no flooding.

He also reminded Isabeleños that removing trees and replacing them with rubber, which does not absorb water, as well as dumping dirt and plastic is not advisable, and suggested an approach such as flood control and planting of trees. (Words by S.J. Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)

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