Gatchalian asks NFA to address rice shortage in Jolo

By Mario Casayuran

Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate economic affairs committee, formally asked on Wednesday the National Food Authority (NFA) to address the shortage of rice for some 5,000 families affected by the fire that recently razed three barangays in Jolo, Sulu.

Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Gumawa na ako ng sulat para sa NFA na tuloy-tuloy ang supply ng bigas nila lalo na sa ganitong trahedya. Hindi pwedeng maputol ang supply ng murang bigas. Mahalaga po na mayroong makakain sa murang halaga ang ating mga kababayan,” he said. (I have already sent a letter to the NFA to make the supply of rice uninterrupted because it is badly needed due to the tragedy.)
Gatchalian said he was in Jolo over the weekend to lead the relief operations from the City Government of Valenzuela and distribute more than P1.5 million worth of rice to the fire survivors. He is a resident of Valenzuela city.

He praised the resilient character of the fire survivors. He also said he had talked to the fire victims in a bid to determine their needs and how his city could help.

Aside from ensuring an adequate rice supply, Gatchalian said he was also looking into coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to extend housing assistance to the survivors.

He said construction by the NHA of the housing units would help bring normalcy to the lives of the fire victims, allow children to go back to school and heads of household be able to get jobs.

The lawmaker also said he has talked to Jolo Mayor Kerkhar S.Tan to look into the possibility of permanent housing for families living along coastal areas.

The fire hit two seaside communities and razed some 2,600 houses, most of which constructed on stilts made from light materials. Officials have pegged the damaged at P500 million.