Rama defends P50 million aid to quake-hit LGUs

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama defended the city government’s giving of P50-million financial assistance to the local government units recently affected by the strong earthquake in the Province of Abra.

Rama said the amount was a symbol of the generosity of the Cebuanos and their willingness to help.

The mayor admitted having pissed off by some people questioning the hefty amount the city government donated. He explained that the amount came from nowhere and he did not demand for it.

“That is why I am a little pissed off, why do you have to quarrel…why do you have to argue?” Rama told the City Hall workers during yesterday’s flag ceremony.

He assured the city government has enough calamity funds left for its own needs should there be a calamity. In fact, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Harold Alcontin said the city could have spared as much as P58 million for Abra from their quick disaster funds.

Rama said the city and its people will still have enough until the end of this year with P400 million in total disaster funds available including the 2022 budget.

“Your mayor is a calculating man...your mayor is a calibrated man…and I take risks and I make move with calibration,” Rama said.

Rama said he is thankful to the members of the City Council for approving the P50M assistance to Abra even if two of the councilors abstained from voting.

“Dako kaayo ko’g pasalamat sa Sangguniang Panlungsod nga wa ko pakauwawi tawn…na nangayo ko’g P50 million, ilang giaprubahan, pero naay nang-abstrain… Wala man ko mubungat anang P50 milyones from out of nowhere,” said Rama.

“That‘s not my P50 million…that is the heart of the Cebuanos to people out there suffering…and their souls been battered…Soul whose heritage is destroyed; When the foundation is destroyed, it is the soul of the local government unit,” he added.

Rama also reminded everyone that “it is good to be giving than we will be the one receiving.”

The recipients of the financial aid include Vigan and Candon City in Ilocos Sur; San Fernando, La Union; Baguio City and Tabuk City in Kalinga who received P3 million each.

The Municipality of Tayum, Bucay and Bangued in Abra; Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; and Kabayan, Abra  get P2 million each while P25 million was given to the provincial government of Abra. — FPL (FREEMAN)