JVR's prayer: Half a billion for Talisay City

CEBU, Philippines -  Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes is set to request half-billion pesos in rehabilitation funds from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for rehabilitation of some public works damaged by super typhoon and earthquake last year.

If granted, part of the request will be used to finance the construction of the controversial new Tabunok Public Market.

According to De los Reyes, some major infrastructure projects sustained damages from the earthquake last October and super typhoon Yolanda last November.

De los Reyes submitted a rehabilitation proposal for infrastructure amounting to P500,899,437.

The total amount is broken down as follows: P387,000,000 for the construction of public market; P51,727,325 for rehabilitation of drainage outlet/catch basin in Lawaan II; P4,999,863 for rehabilitation of roads/asphalt in San Isidro-Dumlog-Poblacion; P4,107,500 for rehabilitation of hanging bridge; and P1,345,424 for rehabilitation of drainage outlet/catch basin in Lawaan.

"The city has no financial capability to finance the projects," De los Reyes said in his letter addressed to NDRRMC Chairman Voltaire Gazmin.

City administrator John Yre De los Reyes, separately, said they are now preparing the costing and program of works, which will be attached to the proposed projects.

John Yre said he will personally hand over the letter to Gazmin next week in Manila.

"We are requesting them for the immediate inspection of these projects, most especially for the Tabunok Public Market, since it was more likely worsened and damaged," John Yre said.

If the city can get fundings from the NDRRMC, De los Reyes said they will no longer ask for the city's approval to get him authority to loan from the bank for the construction of the new public market building in Barangay Tabunok.

"Kung makakuha ta og positive reply from Chairman Gazmin, dili nalang ta modayon og loan for the market," John Yre said.

It can be recalled that De los Reyes and the members of the City Council clashed over giving authority to the mayor to enter into a proposed P387 million worth of loan intended to finance the construction of the Tabunok market.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and the Council wanted feasibility study and the market design, among others, to be considered before granting authority to the mayor.  (FREEMAN)