Medellin folk get aid from Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines -  At least 2,000 people in Barangay Kawit, Medellin received relief goods from the Cebu City government.

Mayor Michael Rama and the city’s Quick Response Team went to Medellin yesterday morning to extend assistance to families affected by tropical storm Ruby in December last year.

Simeon Romarate, executive director of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said at least three patrols of QRT accompanied the mayor at the site.

He said the city government gave at least 1,800 food packs, 11 sacks of rice, and 10 boxes of canned goods.

Ester Concha, head of the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services, clarified that the goods were of no cost to the city government, as they were donated by the private sector.

“Wala gyo’y gasto ang city government sa distribution karon. Gikan na siya sa mga private stakeholders nga migo ni Mayor,” she said.

Concha said Rama personally chose Medellin first and will distribute next to Ronda, Sibonga and other towns affected by tropical storm Seniang.

“Nag-una ang Medellin and naa pod sunod ani nga distribution sa other areas na naigo sa mga bagyo,” she said.

Aside from the food packs, CCDRRMC Chairman David Tumulak said the city will also give financial aid of at least P300,000 each to Ronda, Alcantara, and Sibonga next week.

He said the amount will be taken from the P10 million quick response fund of CCDRRMC.  —JMO (FREEMAN)