Cebu gives P.5M to St. Bernard

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia handed over the P500,000 check to Mayor Rico Rentuza of the Municipality of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte yesterday as the province’s assistance to the landslide-hit town.

Garcia also announced she will visit the place tomorrow to personally see the areas affected by floods and landslides upon the invitation of Rentuza.

The allocated amount of financial assistance was based on report that only four barangays were affected.

But Rentuza yesterday informed that out of 30 barangays, 25 are affected by continuous flooding and landslides displacing at least 1,500 families or around 5,000 individuals.

Rentuza said they appreciate more cash donations.

Garcia said the amount may be just initial as she continues to monitor the extent of damage brought by continuous rains and she will possibly give more.

“Posible gyud kaayo especially now nga akong nadungog first hand gikan sa kang Mayor Rico kung unsa ka daghan diay’ng barangays ang na-affected,” Garcia said.

Rentuza estimated the damages in the agricultural sector to P11 million while P10 million for infrastructure.

Garcia told Rentuza that she thinks the challenges have gone but yet it still continues to threat.

“Atong nakita nga dili ni mahimong one time deal, kinahanglan pud tang mopadayon pag-monitor kung unsa pa’y mapuno na pud nga challenges para sa pangagamhanan didto sa St. Bernard,” she said.

Garcia’s scheduled visit tomorrow will greatly depend on the weather condition as Rentuza warned there may be difficulty in landing the chopper if weather is not good.   (FREEMAN NEWS)