Daanbantayan reaps benefits of Garcia-Loot reconciliation

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipality of Daanbantayan is now reaping the benefits of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Maria Luisa Loot’s reconciliation.

Garcia distributed yesterday P5.4 million worth of financial assistance to Loot and the 20 barangay captains during her visit to Malapascua Island.

Loot received P3 million worth of check for various road projects from Garcia and an additional P300,000 for socio-cultural activities charged against the Legislative Assistance Fund of Provincial Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr.

Each of the 20 barangays received P100,000 for highway beautification, completion and rehabilitation of health centers.

Garcia also turned over the P25,000 from the office of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale for cultural presentation and another P25,000 from the office of PB Member Sun Shimura as financial assistance for Haladaya Festival to barangay Dalingding.

Also present yesterday were Rep. Benhur Sa-limbangon, Mondigo, Shimura and One Cebu’s vice gubernatorial bet, former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV.

“Ato pasalamatan ang kahiusahan sa duha nato ka lider, (Let us be thankful for the unity of our two leaders.)” said Salimbangon in his speech.

The rift between Garcia and Loot was patched up last August 30 when their common friend, Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, brought the governor to attend the Haladaya Festival.

Garcia then turned over P500,000 assistance to the Haladaya Festival during the occasion.

Also recently, the town received one tourist bus from the Capitol.

Since their rift, some projects of the Province of Cebu in Daanbantayan have been stalled for three years and the town has not received any assistance.

Before crossing to Malapascua Island, Garcia inspected the ongoing construction of the roll-on/roll-off port in barangay Maya.

As the group was about to take off from a private wharf in Maya, a windstorm suddenly occurred causing delay for a few minutes.

“Ang unos may paglurang ug mopuli ang hapsay ug makalipay nga kalinaw. (Strong winds will cease and in its place, peace and joy shall prevail),” said Garcia apparently referring to her relationship with Loot.—(FREEMAN)