Balamban seeks aid for Basyang damage

CEBU, Philippines - Balamban town has asked for P3 million in assistance from the Province of Cebu for the repair and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures caused by typhoon Basyang.

Mayor Ace Stefan Binghay personally brought a copy of the Sangguniang Bayan resolution requesting for the amount to the office of Gov. Hilario Davide III, who then approved only P1 million.

Though the amount is lesser than what they requested, Binghay was grateful for the response.

"At least naay puno-puno sa gastohanan (we have an additional amount to help defray the expenses)," he said, thanking Davide for extending the assistance.

Binghay reported that roads, spillways, and other infrastructure projects in Balamban were severely damaged by the recent typhoon.

He said these projects require immediate repair and rehabilitation for the public's safety.

The mayor said Balamban's calamity fund is not enough to cover the cost.

The town government still has to determine the total damage brought by Basyang.  Binghay, though, said shoreline rehabilitation alone would already cost P3 million.

He said that aside from the Capitol, they no longer have any other office to run to for financial assistance, knowing that congressmen and senators have no more Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Binghay initially wanted to try his luck with the Department of Public Works and Highways, but later decided against it because the damaged infrastructures do not belong to the national government.

Orvi Ortega Davide's chief of staff, said Binghay's request is now being processed so the check can be released soon.— /RHM (FREEMAN)