Daanbantayan economy is up and running again

CEBU, Philippines - The local economy of Daanbantayan town has significantly picked up months after super typhoon Yolanda hit the town and other parts of Northern Cebu last year.

In an interview yesterday, Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro noted the businesses in the town have been able to revive normal operations faster.

Days before the affected provinces including Daanbantayan will mark one year of the Yolanda disaster on November 8, the town official expressed confidence the town is on its way to full recovery.

"Nabalik na gyod ang mga negosyo, naka-open up man gyod dayon sila bisan hinay-hinay lang," Corro said.

The town mayor claimed that business establishments here were faster to move ahead amid the effects of the calamity compared to the pace of the government's action.

He, however, said the intervention of the private sector, non-government organizations, government agencies have helped the condition of the town and its people get back on their feet.

The fishery and farming sectors in the locality have gradually shown positive indications of continued revival as local residents have aggressively want their livelihood alive again.

"Dako ang contribution ani sa nahitabo sa atong ekonomiya," he said. "Dako ang na-in ject ani sa atong mga negosyo (ug sa livelihood sa atong mga tawo)."

Corro also cited that Malapascua Island which is part of the town has slowly regained the presence of both local and foreign tourists; thus, the tourism sector is booming again.

Aside from the help the town received from government agencies, he also recognized the private sector that donated classrooms to the locality.

Investments

The prospective investments in the municipality could surely boost again Daanbantayan's economic performance.

The official reported the municipal government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Korean company for the construction of a solar power plant in the town's Barangay Tominjao.

The local government is also in talks with another power generation firm for the possibility of coal-fired power plant project in Barangay Batirya, he said.

He added the Gaisano company is also eyeing to build a mall which, he hoped, to be started during the third quarter of next year.   (FREEMAN)