DTI makes rebuilding affordable in Tino-hit Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dinagat Islands spearheaded a ‘Diskwento Caravan: Disaster Response Edition’ to ease the burden of the Dinagatnons in Loreto town left with either totally or partially damaged houses in the wake of destructive Typhoon Tino on November 4.
Provincial Director Elmer M. Natad of DTI Dinagat Islands said, “Together with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), DTI Dinagat Islands has partnered with Ashley Merchandise, a local hardware in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Loreto to offer a 32 percent discount on basic construction materials to the residents of the town.”
In the report released by the Dinagat Islands PDRRMC, as of Nov.8, in the town of Loreto alone, 1,870 houses were partially damaged, while 397 were totally damaged.
“The initiative will help the victims of Typhoon Tino to rebuild, recover and raise their houses faster through the ‘diskwento’ which locally means discount on the prices of pre-identified construction materials,” Dir. Natad added. “So they will be buying the items at a lower cost because of the discount from its regular price.”
Accordingly, the activity is set to take place today, November 25, 9:30 a.m., at the said establishment. The items covered by the promotion will include cement, nails, corrugated galvanized iron sheet, plywood, steel bars and wires, light bulbs, and tarp with a maximum purchase amount of P2,500 per household.
Meanwhile, the DTI’s Diskwento Caravan also brings affordable rice closer to the communities in Tubajon, another town badly hit by Typhoon Tino.
The agency also announced that locals can go to Sta. Cruz gymnasium in Tubajon on November 26 at 10:00 a.m. where they can purchase rice with brands LOP and Sapphire at P27 per kilo. Each household is allowed to purchase a maximum allowance of 25 kilos.
With the declaration of the State of Calamity, DTI Dinagat Islands has not only remained watchful and vigilant in monitoring the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in the province to ensure fair trade practices and continued consumer protection in the market.
Above and beyond, through the Diskwento Caravan, DTI Dinagat Islands has manifested sincerity for a timely recovery of the Dinagatnons from the calamity, and has affirmed its commitment as catalyst for community resilience. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
