Cebu signs pact with 2 provinces

CEBU, Philippines - The Province of Cebu yesterday entered into an economic partnership and sisterhood agreement with the provinces of Albay and South Cotabato, respectively.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said a lot more economic cooperation is expected to happen between Cebu and his province now that a formal undertaking has been signed. Among this cooperation is the possibility of opening up a daily flight from Cebu to Legazpi City in Albay instead of just having two at present.

“Marami pong nakatingin sa liderato ninyo upang kayo po ang maging magpasimula. Hindi po namin maasahan talaga ang Metro Manila sa kahit anong bagay hindi lang sa malayo sila, hindi lang sa isa silang Imperial Manila, hindi lang napaka-impersonal ng Manila,” Salceda said.

Aside from forging economic partnership, the provincial government of Cebu also gave P5 million financial assistance for the province of Albay, which was recently hit by massive flooding and landslides brought about by typhoon.

Albay province lost some P1 billion in agricultural crops, livestock and infrastructure after tropical storm “Juaning” dumped heavy rains in Bicol triggering floods and landslide in 15 towns and three cities across the province.

Salceda said floods, mudflows, and landslides spawned by “Juaning” destroyed P951,456,000 worth of public infrastructures such as roads, bridges, dikes, and irrigation canals.

Damage to agriculture and livestock was estimated at P70.4 million in production losses affecting 13,339 hectares of rice, corn and vegetables crops with 7,795 farmers affected across the province. “Juaning” left the province with nine people killed, and one still missing and affected some 107,934 families or 557,448 people of which 56,955 families or 295,179 people are now housed in various evacuation camps.

The Province of Cebu and the Province of South Cotabato also formalized yesterday its sisterhood agreement.

Governor Arthur Pingoy said that the visit of Garcia last July 18 in their province was a good start to change the perception about their province.

“It’s a good start because in a way we can improve the image of South Cotabato with regards to peace and order,” Pingoy said.

Pingoy assured that the sisterhood can start exchanges of help from both provinces. The other sister provinces of Cebu are Antique and Ilocos Norte.  (FREEMAN)