Lapu-Lapu undecided on Surigao aid amount

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong said they have yet to decide how much financial aid the city government could extend to Surigao City, which was hit by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake two weeks ago.

Ycong, who is the acting mayor because of the suspension of Mayor Paz Radaza, said they are still evaluating the situation. He said he also needs to meet with Andy Berame, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and the city social welfare officer.

Ycong, however, said they might also give the same amount given by other local government units like Cebu City and Mandaue City.

“Sa pagkakaron amoa pang gi-evaluate kung kinahanglan ba gyud nila  ang cash donation kay ang kanang fund atoa man na gikuha sa disaster (fund), so wala pa mi final as to how much ihatag,” Ycong said.

Ycong earlier said that Lapu-Lapu City will give financial assistance to Surigao City out of “humanitarian reason.”

Councilor Harry Radaza, acting vice mayor, said the plan of giving financial assistance to Surigao City was already discussed by the members of the City Council.

“Yes, pag last session we initially discussed it but then gi-defer sa namo kay wala pa may specific nga amount nga nahatag,” Radaza said.

Radaza said the council will wait for the final decision of Ycong on the matter.

“Hopefully, the sooner the better. Being the presiding officer, maghuwat ra man gyud ta,” he added. —/FPL (FREEMAN)