Capitol gives P9 million in projects, aid to Tudela

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has approved P9 million worth of development projects and financial assistance for Tudela town in Camotes Island.

Tudela Mayor Greman “Jojo” Solante said the P6 million from Capitol’s development fund will be utilized for two development projects in his town while the remaining P3-million from the Quick Response Fund of the province will be used to help residents affected by the El Niño.

“Si Gov man gud tan-aw niya na makaayo sa katawhan, di g’yud na siya magmakuli pag-approve, tan-aw niya na makatabang sa mga Sugbuanon, mapahimuslan sa mga tao, labi na anang mga lasting ba, di siya kaayo anang ubang mga activities nga mulabay lang, di kaayo mapahimuslan sa mga tao,” said Solante.

They are planning to concrete a more or less 200-meter access road from the provincial road to their proposed Municipal Cultural, Wellness, and Amusement Center. In addition, a boardwalk made of locally available materials such as bamboo and hardwood is to be made to improve the Mangrove Ecopark in Barangay Villahermosa.

“This is something na maka-impress, something to experience sa mga turista ‘duna diay mangrove nga ingon ani kadako’ by way of putting up a boardwalk made of bamboo, makasod-gawas sila nga dili lisod, makasod-gawas nga komportable, whether low-tide or high-tide naa g’yuy kapasilongan ug maka-enjoy, maka-experience sa atmosphere within the mangrove area,” he said.

Solante said that this project will heighten the marine conservation efforts of Tudela being both an agricultural and coastal town of Cebu.

He added that this will also boost the biodiversity and ecosystem of Camotes Islands in general as mangroves are the breeding grounds of marine species and protect coastal communities.

“Mao ni akong gipangayo ni Gov ug wala g’yud siya magmakuli, niana siya nga ‘nindot na mayor na imo gyu’ng gi-focusan ang imong mangrove, so lipay kaayo mi,” Solante told The Freeman in an interview.

Meanwhile, Tudela will also receive P3 million from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Provincial Capitol to help the residents affected by El Niño, as a result of the declaration of Cebu Province under a state of calamity.

However, Solante said that Garcia reminded him and the other mayors not to give monetary aid to residents, instead use the budget to purchase rice and materials to help the Cebuanos who are suffering from El Niño.

Solante shared that the P3 million will be used for the procurement of rice in which every household and family in his town could receive.

“We believe na tanan are affected sa El Nino ma-farmers, ma-fisher(men), or any civilian affected gihapon, syempre kay nagnihit ang tubig mao na maynalang ang intentions sa gobernador nga mapaabot niya sa katawhan ang iyang tabang through the LGUs,” said Solante. —/FPL (FREEMAN)