5,000 families get aid from Benhur

Over 5,000 families affected by Typhoon Frank in the towns of Bogo and Medellin in fourth district of Cebu continue to receive relief goods from Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and from the Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung Charitable Foundation Inc. yesterday.

The recent distribution of relief goods such as rice, noodles, canned goods, chocolate milk and used clothing bring to over 26,000 the households from the towns of Daanbantayan, Sta. Fe, Madridejos, Bantayan and in Hilantagaan Island to have received such assistance since typhoon Frank battered the said northern towns.

In yesterday’s distribution of relief goods in the barangays of Gairan, Nailon and Siocon in Bogo City, known “enemy territories” of the representative, it was observed that no barangay officials showed up to assist the more than 1,500 households.

Bogo City, which is a known territory of the Martinezes, Salimbangon told beneficiaries that there is nothing political about his move as he assured them that those who need help, especially those who were affected by the typhoon shall received assistance from him even if they are supporters of the Martinezes.

“Wala ni bulok pulitika, okay ra gihapon kung adto mo sa pikas mubutar inig election.  Basta ako nianhi ako aron sa pagtabang kaninyo,” Salimbangon said in his speech in the Bogo barangays he visited.

Salimbangon also assured the fisherfolks in Bogo and Medellin that he will be giving out financial assistance from P3,000 to P5,000 but payable in two years without interest.  He added that he will also be giving out pigs and feeds for the people to have a livelihood on their own.

“Mas maayo nang magbuhi mo ug baboy kaysa magsigi mo ug tong-its,” Salimbangon said, who was with his younger brother, Cesar, who is reportedly eyeing running for Bogo mayor in the coming elections.  

In the town of Medellin, the hometown of the Salimbangons, the representative and his sister Rep. Salimbangon together with his younger sister gave relief assistance to residents in barangay Panugnawan, Tindog, Dayhagon, Canhabagat and Virgilio. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP