MARIBOJOC, BOHOL , Philippines — Officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) visited this town for post-earthquake damage assessment and pledge for assistance to ravaged towns, particularly on education concerns.
Greg Beck, deputy assistant administrator for Asia Bureau of USAID Washington, dropped by at Antequera town first before proceeding to this town. Local officials, led by Mayor Mario Pahang, met Beck and apprised of the damage wrought by the earthquake, especially on school buildings.
In Antequera, Vice Mayor Fructuoso Redulla met with Beck and discussed rehabilitation of school buildings and other infrastructures. "Rehabilitation is not going to be easy," Redulla told the American official.
Both Redulla and Pahang told Beck on the pressing need of restoring the classrooms in the schools of their respective towns that were damaged due to the Oct. 15 quake.For now, classes have been split into two sessions a day in tents made of bamboo, wood and tarps.
Beck, in his meeting with the LGU officials, said, "there's a bright future ahead of you," and that Boholanos are not alone because USAID is here to work together with them.
USAID country representative Gloria Steele and other officials accompanied Beck who was also expected to visit Tubigon and Catigbian towns, all badly hit by the quake. (FREEMAN)