Cebu to Lacson: 'Give us priority'

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has requested rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson to include the areas in Northern Cebu as priority for rehabilitation efforts.

In a copy of the resolution approved by the Provincial Board, the province is calling that the same rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts being conducted in Samar and Leyte be also done in Northern Cebu.

"As per reports, massive and fast-paced rehabilitation and reconstruction operations are being conducted in Leyte, particularly Tacloban City, and in Samar... Such rehabilitation and reconstruction activities similar to those done or underway…have yet to be duplicated here," the resolution read.

"Those activities, if replicated in the affected areas of the province would surely alleviate the dire circumstances of the victims' families and would make them feel safe and secure and assured of their well-being," the resolution said.

Northern Cebu was also one of the areas in the country greatly ravaged by the monster typhoon that hit Visayas last year.

Meanwhile, in December last year, the Regional Development Council-7 endorsed a proposed P26.8 billion worth rehabilitation and reconstruction program for Cebu to the National Economic Development Authority.

The rehabilitation plan considers around P23.6 billion needed for the shelter and resettlement. This covers the National Housing Authority (NHA) resettlement assistance program, Safer Technical Support, shelter repair kit and housing materials.

The infrastructure and utilities sector will cost P700 million; social infrastructure sector, P853.7 million; livelihood and emergency employment sector, P558 million and social development sector, P25.3 million.

A copy of this rehabilitation plan was sent to Lacson. The province of Cebu has yet to receive response.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III designated Lacson as the over-all supervisor of the rehabilitation efforts for the areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda's onslaught. (FREEMAN)