Corro seeks Davide’s help to get WB loan

CEBU, Philippines - Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro has sought the intervention of the provincial government on the refusal of the municipal council to grant him authority to avail of a loan from the World Bank.

In his letter to Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, Corro said he had sent several resource persons to explain before the members of the council the ‘invaluable’ benefits and services the town, as well as its constituents, would get from availing of the loan.

“But for some unfathomable reasons, the Sangguniang Bayan has refused to grant the Municipal Mayor the requested authority,” Corro stated. He explained that the authority from the council is a requirement before the municipality can avail of the grant under the Support for Strategic Local Development and Investment Project of the World Bank.

The World Bank grant was made available for 16 local government units in northern Cebu, including Daanbantayan, that bore the brunt of super typhoon Yolanda over a year ago.

He contended that what his office is requesting is merely a preliminary authority to express interest on availing of the WB grant and that the authority will now allow him unlimited access to the fund as the grant will be subject to the regulatory requirements provided in the notice of approval and loan agreement.

“The Office of the Ma-yor has also sent letter to the Sangguniang Bayan pleading it to reconsider its denial. We pleaded that they be judicious and prudent in their actions, set aside political differences and allegiance for the sake of the welfare of the people. But sadly, all these requests were turned down,” the mayor lamented, adding that the council’s move stirred up emotions among their constituents.

Corro went on saying, “This requested mediation is our last ditch effort to find a possible and workable re-solution to this deadlock with the sole end-goal of providing and giving the best benefits to the people of Daanbantayan.

The Municipal Development Council endorsed P885 million worth of projects to WB which include construction of drainage system, purchase of heavy equipment, relocation of municipal hall, relocation of wet market, rehabilitation of old public market and the modernization of rural health unit, water treatment facilities, among others.

As required by the WB, the town needs to set aside at least 10 percent of the total project cost. But majority of the council members also turned down the resolution of the MDC requesting the council to take advantage of a loan from Land Bank of the Philippines to finance the town’s counterpart.

Councilor Rex Novabos, as quoted in an earlier report of The FREEMAN, said they have no basis to approve the MDC request and that the identified projects lack the detailed plans.

In a separate interview, Davide said he has yet to read the letter of Corro but assured to look into the matter and study where the province can help.

He, however, added that he understands the initiative of the mayor to avail of the WB grant with the intent to help rehabilitate the town.

“I hope they (council) would think about it again before ignoring the pleas of the mayor kay this is for the good of the town,” he said. (FREEMAN)