Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has released a total of P158 million in financial assistance to 12 northern Cebu local government units (LGUs) severely affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province late last month.
The LGUs that received assistance from the provincial government were Bogo City, the epicenter of the quake, which received P15 million, while the towns of Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon , Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Sogod, Tabogon, and Tabuelan were given P13 million each.
The distribution of checks took place on Friday, October 10, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds in Cebu City shortly after a precautionary evacuation of employees and officials. The evacuation was prompted by the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit the Davao Region and was also felt in Cebu. Once safety was ensured, the activity resumed outside the Governor’s entrance of the Capitol building.
In addition to the P158 million assistance, the Provincial Board (PB) had earlier requested P26 million under the Legislative Assistance Fund (LAF) for PB members to help sustain relief operations in affected areas. Baricuatro, however, approved a higher allocation of P32 million to bolster ongoing recovery efforts in the affected towns.
Based on the official distribution list, the fund will be shared among provincial officials as follows: P5 million allotted to Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, while P3 million each would go to PB Member Celestino ‘Tining’ Martinez, Liga ng mga Barangay president from Bogo City; and 4th District PB Members Kerie Shimura and Nelson Mondigo.
P2 million each were also allotted to 5th District PB Members Red Durano and Mike Villamor; and P1 million each were provided to the remaining members of the PB.
Baricuatro said the fund release demonstrated the provincial government’s swift and unified response to help quake-affected communities recover and rebuild. /das