LP bets join Gwen in relief distribution

CEBU, Philippines -  Some opposition mayors in southern towns assisted Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the distribution of relief goods to affected families of typhoon Pablo yesterday.

Garcia of One Cebu party visited Samboan where she was met by former ally, Mayor Raymond Calderon, who is now with the Liberal Party.

Calderon’s opponent in the 2013 election, Vice Mayor Rogelio Capa of One Cebu, also joined the distribution.

Capitol provided 25 sacks of NFA rice, 20 boxes of sardines, 15 boxes of instant noodles and 15 sets of kitchen wares to Samboan, which reported 100 houses destroyed and 30 damaged.

Garcia also assured Calderon of financial assistance for the reroofing of a portion of its multi-purpose building damaged by the typhoon.

Calderon thanked Garcia for the assistance as well as the relief goods given to the affected families.

“Hinaot ang imong tabang mopilit sa ila kasingkasing,” Calderon said.

Capa said that the local government of  Samboan will utilize its P2 million calamity fund for the purchase of housing materials for the affected families.

Calderon joined Garcia in Santander where they were met by LP Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao and son, Vice Mayor Wilson Wenceslao.

Second district Rep. Pablo Garcia also arrived at the municipal hall where the distribution of relief goods was held.

Capitol gave 50 sacks of NFA rice, 50 boxes of sardines, 15 boxes of instant noodles and 58 sets of kitchen wares to Santander where 58 houses were destroyed and 506 were damaged.

In Boljoon, One Cebu candidate for Provincial Board member, Mayor Teresita Celis and LP mayoral candidate, Vice Mayor Merlo Derama met Gov. Garcia and Rep. Garcia and assisted in the distribution of goods.

Five sacks of rice, five boxes of sardines, 10 boxes of instant noodles and 10 sets of kitchen wares were turned over yesterday in addition to earlier goods delivered after the typhoon that claimed one life, destroyed 18 houses and damaged 27 others.

The Plaza Bermijo in Boljoon was badly damaged and Garcia assured financial assistance for  its immediate restoration.

Garcia asked Provincial Engineer, Adolfo Quiroga, to assess the cost of damage of the said heritage park and to restore it within three months.

Municipal Engineer Paul Hencio Adaro estimated the damage at P10 million.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has reported four casualties, four injured, 250 houses totally wrecked and 1,070 houses damaged in the southern towns including those in Sibonga, Oslob, Alegria, Malabuyoc and Ginatilan.

Meanwhile, a team from the Police Regional Office 7 Police Community Relations led by Sr. Insp. Stanley Sabang turned over 21 sacks of used clothing and pairs of slippers to fire victims in sitio Mohon, Barangay Tisa.

A total of 532 individuals were affected by last Saturday’s fire. Most of the victims are temporarily sheltered at the barangay sports complex.

Sabang said the giving of assistance was a directive from PRO 7 director Marcelo Garbo, Jr.

The goods, Sabang said, were from the different city and provincial police offices in Region 7 pre-donated in case of calamities.

Tisa former barangay captain and now Councilman Eddie Cabulao was thankful for the donated goods.

Cabulao revealed they received a demand letter from the owner of the lot that the affected residents will no longer be allowed to construct their houses.  (FREEMAN)