Over a week later, aid finally comes to Borbon, other north Cebu towns

CEBU, Philippines - “Sukad-sukad sa pagbagyo karon pa kami nakadawat og hinabang (Since the typhoon struck, it is only today that we receive relief assistance),” Tonette Holiver, 53, of Poblacion, Borbon, Cebu, told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Fe Hollantes, 60 and Delia Dolores, 64, told the same story:  They never received any aid since Yolanda devastated their town last Nov. 8 until the Cebu City Government came yesterday.

More alarming is the report that there are still northern Cebu towns that were also affected by the typhoon whose constituents up to now also did not receive any help.

Atty. Jose Marie Poblete, Cebu City administrator, said the local government unit (LGU) concerned has to do its responsibilities and duties to cater and serve the typhoon victims, especially those who are in dire need of relief goods and financial aid.

“Usahay maglibog ta kay news has it nga daghang relief goods pero wala man nangabot sa intended beneficiaries. Ang LGU ang mo-take og responsibility and make representation kay ang ubang donors mo-direct nalang paghatag gumikan sa mga reklamo nga di moabot sa mga biktima,” he said.

Earlier, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale also said that it is the obligation of LGUs to provide relief goods to victims of catastrophes at least for the first two days.

Tabogon Mayor Zigfred Duterte said he is thankful because other LGUs and the private sector are helping towns like his.

He said Tabogon suffered an estimated P170 million in damage to infrastructures. He promised to “everything we can to restore and recover and ruined town”.

The Cebu City Government, together with the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), gave relief goods as well extended medical and engineering assistance to northern Cebu, particularly Borbon, Tabogon, San Remigio, Daanbantayan and Medellin, which were greatly devastated by the super typhoon.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama appointed City Hall department heads to lead the relief operations in northern Cebu.

Poblete said a total of 2, 250 sacks of relief goods were distributed; free medical consultation and clearing operations until Wednesday next week.

Also, Borbon and Tabogon got 200 pieces of tarpaulin each to serve as temporary shelter, while San Remegio, Daanbantayan and Medellin got 300 each of the tarpaulins, which would serve as makeshift shelters.

Rene Mercado, MCWD board of directors’ chairman, also said that the water firm provided two tankers of water, especially the towns where the piping systems are yet to be restored.

PLDT community relations division public affairs chief Evelyn Del Rosario also said that they have temporarily restored communication lines in Bogo City though a submarine cable system, as well as give 1,000 relief bags. (FREEMAN)