Jonas might grab loan Gwen offers

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes is contemplating accepting the loan which was offered earlier by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during a meeting with mayors last February 9 at the Capitol's social hall.

Garcia earlier said a P1 billion fund will be ready for loan to Metro Cebu cities and towns for their flood and traffic problems.

In the meeting the Governor said the province would put up P500 million while the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) could give an initial P500 as its counterpart.

At the meeting, the governor also asked the mayors to support her proposal to form a new coordinating body to be called the Metro Cebu Development and Management Board.

During a press conference, Cortes said if the loan offers a low interest rate then the city would probably grab the opportunity.

Cortes said the city has only one suction truck which it uses during the rainy season.

If the city avails of the loan, it will probably purchase another suction truck.

On the other hand, Cortes said that although there is an ordinance which prohibits the use of plastic bags, he is not totally keen on banning it but would just want to regulate its use.

The mayor explained that there are instances wherein plastics are still very much needed by department stores and other establishments.

It has been known that materials made of plastic clog waterways. (FREEMAN)