CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government wants a systematic approach in the implementation of the rehabilitation and reconstruction program for the different towns in northern Cebu that were affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
This includes close coordination with former senator Panfilo Lacson who was appointed by President Benigno Aquino as rehabilitation czar, said Governor Hilario Davide III in an interview with the media.
Further, Davide said that he has issued an Executive Order for the creation of the Task Force on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction whose primary duty is to oversee the implementation of the rehabilitation program.
Davide said they are now on the second phase in helping typhoon victims in northern Cebu.
According to Governor Davide, the task force will include the private sector and different national government agencies whose primary function is to assure better coordination in the rehabilitation programs.
"Maoy tinguha nato nga kinahanglan aduna gayud maayong coordination ug pagtinabangay sa ingon mapaabot gayud nato ang hustong tabang sa mga biktima sa bagyong Yolanda diha sa Northern Cebu," Davide said.
For his part, 4th district Representative Benhur Salimbangon is making sure the areas in his district, which were also ravaged by the super typhoon, will get a share from the national budget for the rehabilitation of typhoon devastated areas.
During the 888 news forum yesterday at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Salimbangon expressed fear that other areas like Northern Cebu would be left out since Tacloban City and other areas in Leyte are the only ones focused having badly hit by the typhoon.
Salimbangon disclosed that he already spoke with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad regarding the funding of the P14.6 billion supplemental budget that was recently passed.
He said that he has asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a report on the affected families which will be submitted to the national government.
Marcial Fernandez, DSWD-7 assistant regional director for administration, said an on-going assessment is still being made.
Initially, Salimbangon reported that around 80,000 houses have been damaged by the typhoon in the entire fourth district which needs to be rehabilitated.
"Di gyud na ma-normal ang kahimtang sa mga tawo kung di sila mahatagan og panimalay," Salimbangon said.
While all the affected households cannot be accommodated in one time, Salimbangon suggested to have the housing materials raffled as to who would be the first to receive.
Salimbangon also suggested to DSWD to have its budget for cash-for-work program be used for labor for the reconstruction of houses.
Fernandez said that they can provide up to P6,000 per family, as emergency shelter assistance.
Salimbangon added that the labor must be given after the house is reconstructed and rehabilitated.
The LGUs and other donors shall provide for the housing materials which include at least 10 sheets of galvanized iron, lumber and nails. (FREEMAN)