The Regional Development Council (RDC VIII) Full Council endorsed PhP 2.37 billion worth of programs and projects intended to rehabilitate four local government units of the region affected by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on July 6, 2017. These are Ormoc City, Kananga, Carigara and Jaro, Leyte. The program and projects are identified in the post-earthquake 2018-2021 Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (RRP) dubbed as Paglaum.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (CDRRMO) Ciriaco Tolibao of Ormoc City presented Paglaum during the First Quarter 2018 Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII Full Council Meeting held on 9 March 2018 at the Felipina Hall, NEDA VIII, Palo Leyte. According to CDRRMO Tolibao, the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) estimated the damage and losses of the affected areas at PhP855.6 million, and the total recovery needs at PhP1.4 billion. Paglaum was endorsed by RDC VIII in the same meeting to the national government for funding support.

Maria Veda G. Eslopor, DRD, NEDA VIII