Capitol to help Leyte landslide victims

CEBU, Philippines - The Province of Cebu is ready to extend financial assistance to the landslide victims in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte like what it did during the tragedy in other barangay few years ago.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia gave P1 million to the Province of Southern Leyte when the tragedy struck in the entire barangay Guinsaugon, also in St. Bernard, on February 2008.

But this time, Garcia still has to get the full report from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Southern Leyte to see the extent of the damage of the recent landslide.

Garcia instructed the PSWDO of Cebu Province to coordinate its counterpart in Southern Leyte so she can immediately order for the release of financial assistance.

Continuing downpour over the past days has resulted in the death of at least three children in barangays Balodbalod.

Two children also reportedly drowned in floods that hit Bontoc and Tomas Oppus towns of the province.

“I-assess una ang extent sa damage nga nahiaguman sa St. Bernard,” Garcia told reporters yesterday.

The Province of Cebu also made necessary preparations should there be a calamity.

Garcia said that as what she did in the past, if there are early warnings, she immediately convenes the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council.

Aside from the mandated government agencies, Garcia also calls on private contractors to help the province.

The heavy equipment for the clearing and making accessibility to the affected areas are the immediate needs during calamity.

“Should we have any calamity whatsoever, I am confident in the Cebuanos’ ability to respond not just from the government sector but from the private sector as well,” Garcia said.

She added that the Provincial Government have for a long time now established a very good working relationship with the private sector. (FREEMAN)