Sarawak gives P1.2 million aid to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The province of Sarawak in Malaysia turned over yesterday $30,000 or P1.2 million financial assistance to the province of Cebu to help in the rehabilitation of the northern towns affected by super typhoon Yolanda in November last year.

Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip handed the check to Governor Hilario Davide III.

“We are the same people. Hopefully, we get even closer. We all look the same. I walked to the airport, and I thought I was in Kuala Lumpur… We’re sad for the disaster, hopefully everything works alright,” the Malaysian officials said.

The government of Sarawak announced to give financial assistance to Cebu during the14th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum in August with Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who led the province’s delegation.

The conference was a venue for government officials from its member provinces to exchange information on tourism policy and tourism industry, develop inter-regional joint tourism programs, provide mutual cooperation on common issues in tourism, among others.

The standing committee of EATOF also waived the $6,000 membership dues for 2013 of Cebu since it failed to attend the 13th EATOF October last year following the earthquake that jolted Central Visayas.

EATOF member provinces are Sarawak, Malaysia; Cebu, Philippines; Gangwon, Korea; Luang Prabang, Laos; Quang Ninh, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Tottori, Japan; Tuv, Mongolia; Yogyakarta, Indonesia; and Jilin, China.

Davide said the province has yet to decide where the assistance can be utilized.

Asked if the assistance could also be used to repair provincial roads including that in Medellin, he said he cannot give further comment on it and that there are also other roads that need to be repaired. He added that he already directed the provincial engineering office to check on the area.

Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez demanded for the repair of the dilapidated provincial roads and bridges within the municipality.

He even ordered the municipal treasurer to “hold in abeyance” all remittances intended for the provincial government which also serves as sanction against the province “for turning a blind eye to the sorry state of their road and bridges.” — (FREEMAN)