Cebu Mayor eyes Ormoc and Palo Leyte LGUs for adoption

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama wants the City Government to adopt a local government unit (LGU) that was affected by super typhoon Yolanda and focus on its rehabilitation. Rama wanted to replicate the move of Muntinlupa City, which adopted Tanauan, Leyte. If Cebu City adopts an LGU, it will send equipment to help repair damaged structures or houses, Rama said during a news conference yesterday.

Asked what LGU he wants the City to adopt, the mayor said he is looking at Palo or Ormoc City, both in Leyte. Rama saw the devastation in Ormoc last week.

“It brings you sorrow. And I wonder when they can get back (on their feet),” he said. While the distribution of relief goods to affected families continue, Rama said, the rebuilding of houses should start soon.

“They cannot (continue) to live under tarpaulins or tents,” he said. The mayor said he will ask the City Council to sponsor a resolution covering the city's adoption of one Yolanda-affected LGU. Asked if the City will also adopt an LGU in northern Cebu that was devastated by Yolanda, Rama said this is possible. But he pointed out that the Cebu Provincial Government is helping rebuild northern Cebu.

Livelihood: Rama urged the National Government to provide livelihood training and programs for survivors from Eastern Visayas who have sought refuge in Cebu. He said the City Government cannot provide livelihood training to the evacuees yet because it has to prioritize its constituents.

“Let's not overburden ourselves. What is important is that we have done our share (of providing evacuation centers),” he said. Rama said he has talked with Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who told him that the National Government will provide for needs of the evacuees. Barangay captain-elect Joel Garganera of Tinago, where one of the Cebu City evacuation centers is located, said survivors from Eastern Visayas need more food.

There are five evacuation centers in Cebu City: Tinago Sports Complex, Guadalupe Sports Complex, San Roque Gym, Cogon Ramos Gym, and the Capitol Parish. The Tinago Sports Complex houses 304 survivors from Leyte. Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on November 22, 2013.