Ball raises P1.4M for beautification

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama were “bid” for over P1 million during last Wednesday night’s masquerade ball, a dinner for a cause held to raise funds to finish the beautification of the entire stretch of Osmeña Blvd.

Total donations were later placed at P1.4 million.

The Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation Inc. (BCMFI) headed by Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung first auctioned the mayor with the starting bid of P50,000 followed by the governor with the starting bid of P100,000.

Rama’s final bid reached P200,000 while Garcia’s bid reached P1.2 million. It was businessman Segundino “Jun” Selma of Minglanilla who won the bidding for both Rama and Garcia.

As a result of winning the bids, Selma gets to have a dinner with each of them.

BCMFI co-chairwomen Yeung and Margie Lhuillier said that they were overwhelmed by the participants who attended the dinner held at the Cebu City Waterfront Hotel.

“I was overwhelmed. We have raised few million at least only because everything that was put into production were donations,” Yeung said, adding that they need to raise P10 million that will cover the expenses of the sidewalks of Osmeña Blvd. from Fuente Osmeña to Sanciangko St.

The BCMFI has only finished beautifying one-fourth of that 2.6-kilometer stretch.

Yeung said they will continue soliciting the support of private individuals and institutions to finish beautifying Cebu.

“I have to raise enough funds to finish all. I am not afraid. I will face the challenge to the best of my ability,” Yeung said, adding that Rama gave her the new assignment of beautifying the entire city.

Also present during the dinner for a cause were singers Martin Nievera and Pinky Marquez who performed for free. Tessa Prieto Valdez and actor Borgy Manotoc hosted the event. Garcia and Yeung also recently met with representatives of Taiheiyo Cement Corp. and Cemex Philippines to discuss their participation in the project.

“Dako baya kaayo’ng factor ang semento kay ayuhon baya nato’ng sidewalks,” Garcia said.

The two cement firms committed to give 6,000 bags each or a total of 12,000 bags, worth P2.4 million, for the project.—/BRP (FREEMAN)