Vice President Jejomar C. Binay instructed housing agencies to extend assistance to the survivors of the earthquakes that hit Central Visayas.

            “We want to help the survivors not only in rebuilding their homes but more importantly, in getting their lives back to normal,” the Vice President said.

            Binay instructed the Pag-IBIG branches in Bohol and Cebu to deploy roving offices so members in the areas declared under state of calamity could easily apply for calamity loans and for loan moratorium.

            Under the calamity loan program, Pag-IBIG members may avail of up to 80 percent of their total savings. The loan may be paid over two years with a 3-month’s grace period at an interest of 5.95 percent per annum.

            Pag-IBIG also imposed a 3-month moratorium on the payment of housing loan amortizations. Borrowers must file their application for moratorium within 90 days after their area was declared under state of calamity.

            Binay also said the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide home materials assistance for residents whose homes were partially damaged. For those with totally ruined houses that are in danger zones, NHA will offer resettlement.

            The Vice President is set to visit Thursday the areas in Cebu and Bohol that were badly hit by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

            Earlier, he asked the public to pray for the safety of the survivors of the earthquakes and the recent typhoons, and for the country to be spared from further calamities.

            He also pledged relief assistance from his office, and encouraged the public to donate food, water, medicines, clothes, blankets and basic toiletries.