Malapascua folks frustrated over capitol's unfulfilled promise

CEBU, Philippines - Residents of barangay Logon in Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan is pinning their hopes on the tandem of former Cebu City councilor Hilario “Jun-jun” Davide III and Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. to deliver the much needed hospital that they have long requested from the provincial government.

In a dialogue with the barangay officials and residents of the island, the people voiced out their frustrations over the promise of the provincial government to build a mini-hospital to provide health services to the island’s over 4,000 population and increasing tourist arrival.

The mini hospital is part of the Malaspacua Development Plan that started in 2007 which aims to develop the island as one of the major tourist destinations in the province.

The plan is to build a three-bed hospital, operating 24 hours, complete with doctors and medical staff.

Barangay Councilman Roderick Rosales said that the construction was supposed to start in 2008.

“Na-deliver na ang mga materials diri since 2008 pa to. Pero wala gyud nasugdan hangtod karon,” said Joel Aguilar, fourth barangay councilman of Logon.

“Nakastorya nako ang contractor sa ikaduha niyang balik, ingon sya nga sa iya kunong nakita, maglisod kuno sya og padayon kay alkansi sya. Wala kuno sya mag-tuo nga ing-ani kalayo, nga magtabok-tabok pa og dagat. Alkanse kuno siya kung muabang pa sya og motor banca para pag-ship sa materyales,” Aguilar added.

He said that since his last talk with the contractor, they never saw the contractor any longer.

Only last April 21, when they had a dialogue with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that they were able to confirm about the contractor’s backing out of the project.

“Katong nag-dialogue mi ni guv diri, ingon sya nga niback-out daw ang contractor maong nangita sila og lain. Ilang gidala ang bag-ong contractor diri, nya gipangutana niya kung kanus-a mahuman. Ingon sila namo nga mahuman by June 2010,” he said.

Only a barangay health center stands in the island with three midwives to cater to the medical needs of the natives. In case of emergency, the nearest hospital is in the town proper, which is 30-minutes boat ride away.

Aguilar assured Davide and Sanchez of sure victory because he said Garcia has never won any election in their island. Barangay Logon has around 3,000 voters. – THE FREEMAN