Ouano siblings turn over the late father’s project

CEBU, Philippines —  A mechanized boat was turned over recently in Gilutongan Island in the town of Cordova purposely to ease the transportation of healthcare workers and medical supplies from to and from the mainland.

Siblings, Cebu Sixth District Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon and Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano turned over the mechanized boat which costs P260,000.

Ouano-Dizon said that although Cordova is now a developed town, there are still some remote areas and islands that are very difficult to access due to the lack of transportation.

She said this is the reason why his late father, former Mandaue City mayor and former PB member Thadeo (Teddy) Ouano, decided to give an alternative transportation to access the barangay especially during emergencies.

The mechanized boat that would accommodate more or less 20 passengers was made possible through the effort of Teddy who had funded it from his legislative allocation in his district while the barangay contributed a certain amount as its counterpart.

Ouano-Dizon explained that although the turnover of the mechanized boat was done recently, the funding came from his father’s legislative fund that was downloaded to the barangay but was not used until recently.

“So, aron ang funding dili mabalik sa panudlanan sa gobiyerno, ang barangay nag-counterpart sila og funding para mahimo ang pumpboat. Mao na nga ang turnover bag-o lang nahitabo,” Ouano-Dizon said.

Jonkie for his part said he was touched by the project as this had been planned and started before his father died few years ago.

“Although the boat is not designed to be an ambulance boat but it will guarantee access to emergency healthcare services,” the younger Ouano said.

The turnover was witnessed by Cordova Mayor Mary Therese “Teche” Sitoy-Cho and Gilutongan Barangay Captain Miraluna Can~ete and some barangay council members. — GMR (FREEMAN)