Comprehensive development mulled for Kinatarcan Island

CEBU, Philippines - To achieve forward-heading, holistic and full recovery after suffering from super typhoon Yolanda, a comprehensive development plan for Kinatarcan Island in Sta. Fe town is being pushed by a religious congregation.

The Kinatarcan Island Development Plan is a brainchild of the Sto. Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation, the social development arm of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu.

Father Tito Soquino, SNAF president, said they are currently sealing the funding for the comprehensive project which aims to cover multiple aspects of development.

For the moment, SNAF has conducted sociological profiling of the community and has started informing the residents, leaders, and elders of the three barangays of Kinatarcan, Langub, and Hagdan.

Also, livelihood assistance has been given to families active in the Catholic chapel. Aiming for a comprehensive development plan, residents of different religious denominations will be included in the interactive assembly and consultations, apart from barangay officials and Catholic chapel officers.

Even local government unit is participating in this endeavor as Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Baltazar Tribunalo participated in the very first consultative meeting on January 31 where the idea was presented and explained to the residents.

Kinatarcan Island is most conveniently accessible via Daanbantayan town from mainland Cebu province. It is one of the mission areas of the Augustinian Community in Cebu.

On February 1, the pilgrim image of Señor Santo Niño visited the island and gave the locals the experience of Fiesta Senyor from fluvial, foot procession, to the religious Sinulog dance while chanting petitions responded by “Pit Senyor!”  (FREEMAN)