Bohol gives P500K aid to Japan

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  — The Bohol Provincial Board has approved an ordinance appropriating P500,000 from the general fund as financial assistance to Japan that was ravaged by killer earthquake and tsunami.

The fund approval, during the session presided by PB Member Dionisio Balite in lieu of Vice Governor Concepcion Lim, came after Governor Edgar Chatto requested the PB for such money to be given to Japan.

The ordinance, presented by PB Member Abeleon Damalerio, was exempt from the three-reading rule and was unanimously approved.

Chatto said the amount will be channeled through the Philippine Red Cross-Bohol chapter. "The government of Japan has been our strong partner in the development programs in the province. The long-established relationship and friendly ties between us would amplify to giving the most needed consolation and comfort during this difficult time," he said.

The governor's request for Japan's aid was in connection with the Executive Order No. 6, series of 2011, he issued recently to establish the "Operation Help for Japan." He said that such move is Bohol's "humble gesture of heart-felt sympathy" to the Japanese people in distress.

Under the EO, all municipal mayors are called to also initiate meeting with barangay officials and other sectors and their respective municipal risk reduction councils and draw ways to raise funds for donation to Japan.

The provincial social welfare and development office has been tasked to lead in the implementation of the EO in fund campaign for Japan. The said office is responsible for the pledged fund collection and turnover to the Red Cross, which will in turn do the same to Japanese Red Cross.

The office is mandated to help raise the public awareness while the Bohol media, Philippine Information Agency and the EDCom, the governor's media arm, are also enjoined to do information dissemination to support the call for help to Japan.  (FREEMAN)