Traders, local officials frustrated over snail pace of recovery aid

Both Cebu’s business community and local officials voiced frustration over the slow pace in the allocation of funds for the rehabilitation of towns hit by supertyphoon Yolanda in northern Cebu three months ago.

“We’re on our way to moving forward but what is frustrating is that we cannot tap all the resources of the national government for us. It’s not just coming in,” said May Segura-Ybañez, executive director of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (CCCI).

Ybañez, a member of the livelihood and commerce cluster for the province- created Task Force Paglig-on, said they had been mostly relying on donations and pledges from local and foreign non-government organizations (NGOs).

“We have to ask them why (it isn’t coming). In a sense, (I am frustrated) because it cannot be made available but it has always been like that all the time. We’re just constantly  knocking on their door,” she added.

Last December, the Cebu provincial government sent a copy of its P26.8-billion rehabilitation program to rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson Jr.

BIGGEST SHARE

Task force head Baltazar Tribunalo said the national government has yet to pledge a specific amount for the program.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III earlier reiterated Cebu’s need for help from the national government because it cannot shoulder the fund needed for the rehab program.

The biggest share of the recovery plan’s budget or P23.6 billlion will be used for rebuilding houses and resettlement areas, followed by the cost implementing the rehabilitation plan at P1.2 billion.

Recovery efforts will focus on 15 towns and Bogo City in northern Cebu where damage to agriculture, infrastructure, utilities, livelihood and social infrastructure was estimated at P4.14 billion.

Davide will meet with directors of the regional government agencies on Friday this week to  discuss further actions for the rehabilitation efforts, said Tribunalo.

GAPS

Ybañez also identified the difficulties in implementing the rehabilitation program particularly the “gaps” between the government and the community.

She said more consultations and briefings should be done with the typhoon victims to ensure that the beneficiaries are fully aware with the plans of the government and the donors.

“There is a gap because the people and the government aren’t talking to each other on what are the options available. If they are moved, where? Because everybody is trying to do their own thing,” she said.

The task force yesterday identified 17,000 families for relocation to higher ground in the affected towns and cities.

‘UNTIL WHEN?’

Rep. Benjur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district said most of the assistance they received came from the private sector and certain persons.

“Everyday, I received text messages from our poor constituents asking for help,” I  am asking for help from those agencies in charge to help us. I understand that they are still evaluating but until when?,” Salimbangon said.

Salimbangon is implementing an “Adopt a Family” program in which affected families were given assistance so they can build their house.

Of the 100,000 houses destroyed, he said only 1,000 houses have been built so far.

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