Rebuilding and recovery budget for Odette-stricken residents in Cebu province raised to P2B

Portions of the bridge linking the towns of Malabuyoc and Ginatilan collapsed due to the onslaught of #OdettePH. Residents traveling between the two localities made an improvised footbridge for the meantime. Malabuyoc remains isolated from the rest of southern Cebu as of Dec. 20. | Contributed Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Capitol is planning to set aside around P2 billion in public funds to help residents devastated by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) get back on their feet.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, in a recent press interview, said they decided to increase the budget for their rebuilding and recovery efforts from P1.5 billion to P2 billion. 

“That (P1.5 billion) amount will not be enough. Nagtan-aw ko karon, as the reports come in, and we are also validating that (report), so P1.5 billion ang atong gihuna-hunaan and it could reach up to P2 billion,” Garcia said. 

Close to 2 million GI sheets

Part of the budget will fund the Capitol’s plan to procure close to 2 million GI sheets for families whose houses became roofless due to Odette’s wrath. 

Negotiations are now ongoing between the province and suppliers of galvanized steel such as Central Lumber Corporation, Union Galvasteel of Phinma Construction Company, and Puyat Steel to give the former discount on buying the materials in bulk, said Garcia.

“Apili na lang ninyo og kaluoy para aning mga kustomer ninyo sa una nga karon apil sa mga apektado,” she added. 

Aside from GI sheets, the province will also purchase other building materials, also in bulk, from local suppliers. These included plyboards and nails. 

“Paliton nato og bulto. Gihangyo nako nga kita nay muopalit og bulto kay (para) maus-usan ang presyo,” said Garcia. 

More than 300,000 families from at least 36 localities in the central and southern parts of Cebu province were affected by Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. 

The Capitol will be implementing the coupon system which they first introduced in their Sugbo Negosyo initiative in distributing the aid they bought to beneficiaries. 

According to Garcia, this is to ensure no public funds will be spent on non-essential items such as liquor, cigarettes, makeup, and cosmetics, to name some. 

Odette hit Cebu last December 16. The day after, the Garica declared a state of calamity. 

Cebu province is currently focusing all its efforts on rebuilding.

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/ dcb