UNDP giving P9M for rehab program in four Cebu towns

CEBU, Philippines - More than P9 million worth of livelihood and rehabilitation projects by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is set to be implemented in four typhoon-ravaged towns in northern Cebu.

This is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of an early recovery program that Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III would sign as soon as the Provincial Board (PB) gives its authority tomorrow.

Once the MOU is entered into by the Cebu Provincial Government, the rehabilitation of livelihood assets component of the program, which costs P1.12 million, would be implemented in Bogo City.

Super typhoon Yolanda, which struck Cebu last Nov. 8, caused heavy damage to the fishing industry in Bogo and affected more than 300 marginal fisherfolks.

The UNDP-Cebu Province project would include repair of the boats of 98 fishermen under the Bogo United Fishermen's Association, which is a self-help and community-based organization accredited by the Bogo City Government, as well as the damaged fish pens of the association.

Under the MOU, UNDP, a subsidiary organ of the United Nations, would fund in tranches the purchase of needed materials for the repair.

The National Economic and Development Authority had reported that Yolanda left a total damage of over a billion pesos to livelihood and infrastructure in the province of Cebu.

Also, aside from livelihood rehabilitation in Bogo, UNDP would also shell out P7.84 million for the debris clearing in the towns of Bantayan, Sta. Fe, and San Remigio.

This, however, would be implemented using the cash-for-work scheme, where the 1,800 persons who would benefit from the project would work by removing debris from and cleaning their communities in exchange for daily wage.

The respective municipal governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development would identify the project's participants.  (FREEMAN)