CEBU, Philippines - The northern towns of Cebu have sustained “unimaginable damaged†brought by super typhoon Yolanda.
But for Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of the fourth district where the devastated localities belong, Cebu was forgotten.
“President Aquino does not even mentioned Cebu nga naigo sa bagyo. All the international aid goes to Tacloban City, gikalimtan lang intawon ang Cebu,†said Salimbangon.
Salimbangon said his district composed of eight towns and one city lost more than 100,000 houses which was probably much higher than those in Tacloban City and other areas in Eastern Visayas.
“Almost all the houses, schools, livelihood were lost. There is no power, no water, people are hungry unya hapit tanang tabang toa ra didto sa Tacloban. People in northern Cebu badly need help. Daghan na kaayo mga nasud nitabang, pila na ka bilyon pero asa na man na ron?,†Salimbangon asked.
For his part, Salimbangon with the help of private organizations and friends have been donating relief goods the day after the Yolanda stuck his district.
The provincial government including private groups and companies also have been extending assistance in the district.
“But for a district that has over 500,000 people unya pulos tanan biktima sa bagyo, dili gyud pa-igo ang atong mga relief goods. Daghan gihapon gipang gutom,†he added.
He also hope that President Aquino will come to Cebu and see for himself how devastated the northern Cebu is.
On the other hand, the Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc. has announced that their relief operation continues for the island and islets within the fourth district.
“Let us all gather hand in hand, together we will rise again. Be strong Cebu. We will pass this challenged,†Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, the foundation’s founder said.
MSYCFI will also conduct medical missions in the towns of Medellin and Daanbantayan including Malapascua Island on November 16 and 17, 2013.
Drop-off center for donations is located at the lobby of Cebu Holdings Center, Cebu City. (FREEMAN)