THE provincial government of Cebu is set to release total of P508 million in recovery and rehabilitation funds to be used for the 12 quake-hit local governments in the northern portion of the province.
This was announed by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.
Of the amount P120 million will be given to the 12 local governments (P10 million pesos each) for their infrastructure and rehabilitation.
AnotherP38 million will also be given to them atP3 million pesos for each town P5 million pesos for Bogo City, the ground zero of the tremblor.
Baricuatro added that another P350 million will also be released for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and bridges.
The provincial government will also allocate the P200 million for each affected locl government, whose funds come from the Office of the President under the local government support fund.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces cited that following a rapid assessment from their provincial engineers, they have identified a total ofP100 million worth in infrastructure damage which include major bridges and roads.
Empaces said the governor has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to take care of the national roads and bridges while they also take care of the repairs for the provincial roads and bridges that are worth P13 million pesos and below.
Power in the 12 affected localities have been 100 percent restored five days after the earthquake.
Water supply has also been restored but some areas in Bogo City and Tabuelan will still experience water supply concerns since their water distributions system are still undergoing repairs.
Task force
Task Force Kumbati Cebu (Fight Cebu) was also activated to address the housing and other needs for the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The task force aims to centralize all recovery and rehabilitation efforts to involve the mayors of the affected localities.
This will include the discussion on relocation of those families whose houses were deemed unsafe and what proper housing assistance will be given to them.
The provincial government has identified 4,826 totally damaged houses and 45,285 partially damaged houses.
Baricuatro said they have tapped former governor Hilario Davide III to be an advisor for the task force with the private sector sitting as co-chairman.
She said she wants to ensure accountability of all their efforts including the donations coming from the private sector.