Cebu Execs Elated on PNoy’s Approval of P12.2-B North Cebu Rehab Plan

(PNA) — Cebu officials were elated with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s approval of the P12.2-billion rehabilitation plan of super typhoon Yolanda-devastated areas in north Cebu.

President Aquino announced the approval in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“After this announcement, we expect instructions from the concerned government agencies about where the money will go so. Soon enough, all the projects we listed in the plan would be started,” Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said.

Davide, who was at the Batasang Pambansa to witness the SONA, also said the President spoke from the heart.

”It was a sincere speech and personally, I was moved by it,” he said.

Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Augusto Corro said the President’s announcement was “worth the wait” especially with the number of schools in his town that have yet to be repaired.

“I’m very, very happy. I don’t care if it was delayed, it was worth the wait,” said Corro.

“I was even thinking, I don’t need to finish watching the speech anymore. I was only concerned about the approval of the plan,” he said.

Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente said the long approval process was understandable.

“We can’t rush things like this. We have our procurement system. But now, it’s all systems go for north Cebu,” he said.

Daanbantayan and Madridejos are among 15 towns and one city in northern Cebu which were ravaged by Yolanda.

Several mayors from Cebu’s second district were also present at the Batasan.

Davide said among them were Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon, Alegria Mayor Verna Magallon, Santander Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren, Alcoy Mayor Nic Delos Santos, Moalboal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron, Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Cesante, Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama and 2nd District Board Member Peter John Calderon. (PNA) LAP/EB