Davide sees swift rehab fund release

CEBU, Philippines - Now that the P12.2-billion budget for the rehabilitation of Yolanda-affected towns in northern Cebu has been approved, Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday assured that the funds, though in tranches, would be released soon.

“Assurance ni (presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery head Panfilo) Lacson is that he will immediately, after the signing, present it to the president for approval. Maabot ra gyud na,” he said.

Davide, however, did not say when exactly the financial assistance would be released, only that it would be coursed through national agencies identified in the rehabilitation plans as implementors.

Super typhoon Yolanda ravaged 14 towns and a city in the northern Cebu last November 8.

Last Friday, Lacson, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zeny Maglaya, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, and National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz signed the P12.2 billion rehabilitation plan for northern Cebu.

The amount is almost P2 billion in excess of the P10.4 billion the Capitol submitted to Lacson early this year.

“Mayra pud tingali nga naay (It is better that there is an) additional nga almost P2 billion. Kinahanglon man gyud nang P2B. That would cover additional requirements sa mga (by the) municipalities,” Davide said.  (FREEMAN)