Rehab funds ready for download

CEBU, Philippines - The much-awaited funds for the rehabilitation of government buildings damaged by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas will soon be downloaded to various Local Government Units to start the repairs.

Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson yesterday said that the funds are already available for release. He said the rehabilitation plan can be "fully implemented few weeks from now" depending on the LGUs' submission of the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).

"Ang hinihintay natin ngayon yong PDNA. Ito 'yong isinasagawa ng Office of the Civil Defense.  'Yon ang basehan no'ng rehab plan. Pero ngayon dahil medyo natatagalan na 'yong PDNA, bumaba tayo sa mga LGUs," he explained.

Lacson said he already sent a memorandum on Monday to President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino requesting the latter to start downloading the funds to different LGUs affected by the recent calamities, provided that the LGUs have secured programs of works that are validated by the national government and supervised by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

"Sila (LGUs) na magsasagawa, by administration. Kasi kung hindi, maghihintayan, wala tayong ma-accomplish," he said.

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that the province already submitted a rehabilitation plan.

"During a consultative meeting, I said nga right after the Yolanda, two days after, our Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, went around the towns to have an assessment. We submitted the same list that they submitted to us to the office of Secretary Ping," she said.

The Regional Development Council-7 endorsed, last December, a proposed P26.8 billion rehabilitation and reconstruction program for Cebu to the National Economic Development Authority.

The rehabilitation plan estimated P853.7 million needed for social infrastructures.

Meanwhile, President Aquino announced yesterday that a total of P191 million has been earmarked for the repairs of government buildings in Bantayan Island.

The president made the announcement during his visit to the island following the celebration of the 28th EDSA people power anniversary, which was held in Cebu for the first time.

Aquino belied reports that the national government has not extended any assistance to typhoon-hit areas in northern Cebu.

"Ang laki ng problema, more than half of our provinces (nationwide) were affected. And I think, we in government, demonstrated that we may not have been perfect and I'll admit that. Pero, para sabihin that we did not exercise maximum effort, medyo over naman yata 'yan," the president said.

Aquino, however, clarified that the amount for Bantayan Island is still subject for further verification.— Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL(FREEMAN)