Rama turns down aid request from CNU

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has turned down the request of Cebu Normal University (CNU) for the city government to defray the P19.7 million rehabilitation cost of its buildings that were damaged by the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

CNU-SUC president Marcelo Lopez, in a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, asked the city government to extend help to their institution. 

“A total of P19.7 million is needed to cover the cost of labor and materials for the rehabilitation and repair of these damage buildings. We look forward to your assistance in our rehabilitation efforts,” Lopez said.

The letter was referred to the office of the mayor last Wednesday.

Rama said the city government wants to help CNU to repair and rehabilitate its “historically embedded building” however there is no funds available yet.

“If we have money we will help especially heritage value. But for now we have to prioritize first rebuilding our city hospital and daghan pa tay aleglarunon…I hope they (CNU) will understand,” Rama explained, suggesting CNU should tap National Historical Institute Commission of the Philippines.

In October 18, structural engineers from the Cebu City Office of the Building Officials (OBO) found out that five buildings of CNU need major repairs such as buildings of the College of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, Applied Science Academic (ASAB), University library and College of Teacher Education (CTE).

The P19.7 million estimated cost for repairs and rehabilitation is broken down into P9.8 million for CTE, P3.7 million for the College of Nursing, P1.3 million for CAS, P0.9 million for ASAB, and P4 million for the library.  (FREEMAN)