Cebu team to present rehab plan to Lacson

CEBU, Philippines - The Task Force Paglig-on, the Capitol-mandated rehabilitation group, will present Northern Cebu’s rehabilitation and recovery plan to rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson before submitting it to Pres. Benigno Aquino III for approval.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery headed by Lacson invited the task force to present the plan.

Davide is hoping that the presentation would convince the Cabinet members so to finally endorse the rehabilitation plan for Northern Cebu to Aquino for approval.

“I received a text message.  Ang team sa Cebu, the task force and me, gi-invite mi ni Sen. Lacson supposed to be on Friday... Last time we met ni Sen. Lacson ingon siya nga mauna gyod ta kay kita man ang unang naka-submit. Mao siguro nay purpose sa meeting kung madayon,” Davide said.

OPARR earlier assured Davide to recommend to the Cabinet clusters and to Aquino the release of rehabilitation funds for Cebu without waiting for other provinces to submit their recovery plans.

The governor said OPARR will use Cebu’s rehabilitation plan as template for other provinces.

The P10.5 billion rehabilitation and recovery plan for Northern Cebu ravaged by typhoon Yolanda last year is now subject for review and approval of Aquino after OPARR endorsed it to the Cabinet cluster, which in turn will endorse it to the President.

Of the amount, over P6.6 billion is allocated for the shelter and relocation of typhoon victims in Northern Cebu. The amount covers the site development, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and costs of shelter, acquisition and power.

Apart from the shelter sector, more than P690 million is intended for the utilities, P874 million for social infrastructures, P1.7 billion for livelihood and emergency employment and social development, and P175 million for capacity building and trainings on disaster preparedness.  (FREEMAN)