Gov. Garcia visits Talisay tornado victims

CEBU, Philippines - With only a few days left in office before serving the 3rd district, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia promised she will continue to go around the province just like how she started.

Yesterday, her second day since she came back from her six-month suspension, Garcia went to visit Talisay City residents whose houses were damaged by the recent tornado that also hit the nearby Minglanilla town.

Garcia spoke with the residents especially those who were hurt during the disaster early this week.

Garcia was welcomed by Mayor Socrates Fernandez along with city social welfare Felipa Solana and provincial social welfare Marivic Garces.

Fernandez said he was touched by the governor's gesture that even with having a few days left in her term, she still took the time to go and reach out to the people.

"Bisan maihap nalang sa mga tudlo ang iyang pagka-gobernador apan iya gihapong gitagaan og dakong bili kamo aron iya mong mabisita, (Even if she only has a few days left as governor, she still considered you important and visited.)" Fernandez told the victims.

Garcia went there together with Neil Sanchez, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

According to Sanchez, six houses were totally damaged in Brgy Ibo,Talisay City while two houses were partially damaged. Thirty-five houses were partially damaged in the town of Minglanilla.

Sanchez estimates the damage at P300,000 to P500,000. The affected residents in Talisay City are still housed in makeshift tents but the PDRRMC yesterday adviced them to transfer the residents in a much more stable evacuation center since Cebu is still experiencing scattered rain showers.

The Provincial government earlier sent assistance to the victims of the tornado particularly for immediate needs like food and clothes.

Further, Sanchez said yesterday he briefed Garcia of the risk reduction plans he has set up for the province which he said Garcia was very responsive to.

Sanchez revealed that Garcia yesterday issued them a vehicle which he said is a big help since their operation is province-wide. Garcia invited Sanchez to lead the PDRRMC last December but due to the rift in the Provincial Capitol, it was only last February that he was able to take oath.

He was sworn into office by Acting Governor Agnes Magpale. Sanchez said yesterday he also expressed to Garcia their needs for more basic equipment like ropes. He said Garcia assured she would do what she could in her remaining days as Governor.

If it would take time, Sanchez hopes it would be addressed by the next Governor.  (FREEMAN)