Labella says P10M aid to Mindanao “enough”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city government will no longer send additional relief assistance to the earthquake-stricken towns in Mindanao.

"That was enough assistance," Labella said.

Labella, together with Councilors David Tumulak, Donaldo Hontiveros, and Prisca Niña Mabatid, some department heads and doctors, went to the major affected areas in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur last Saturday to distribute the relief aid worth P10 million.

"It was relatively successful. The beneficiaries were very appreciative of what Cebu City had extended to them by way of relief goods," he said.

The delivery of the assistance on that day was smooth, said Labella.

He added the assessment that Councilor David Tumulak had spearheaded to see the extent of damage in Mindanao was effective.

"Sakto gyud ang assessment nilang Councilor Dave Tumulak nga ilang panginahanglan didto kay potable water. Way mainom ang mga tawo kay ilang water supply contaminated," he said.

The city government was able to provide the victims of 3,000 gallons of water.

They also distributed the items identified by the assessment team such as trapals, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, medicine, cooking utensils, hygiene kit, undergarments, and over the counter drugs.

Two dump trucks and an ambulance were also brought by the city government.

Labella said earlier it was important for the city to assess the situation on the ground to make sure funds would not be wasted.

He said he does not want a repetition of what happened at the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda when the city sent millions to other local government units but unsure if the money really went to the survivors.

The city’s assessment team went to the earthquake-hit areas last November 4. Three municipalities were identified as badly hit: Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Makilala, North Cotabato; and Tulunan, North Cotabato. (FREEMAN)