A Congressman and seven Mayors of Eastern Samar on Wednesday sincerely thanked officials and constituents in Negros Oriental for the P4-million relief aid for victims of super typhoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan) that pummeled the Visayas last November, leaving a trail of devastation behind.
Rep. Ben Evardone led the seven mayors from the hardest hit towns of Eastern Samar in calling on Gov. Roel Degamo, Vice Gov. Mark Macias, and some Provincial Board Members to personally receive the check donations at the Capitol.
The Eastern Samar officials individually expressed their gratitude verbally, and through a Resolution after receiving the checks of P500,000 each for every recipient-municipality.
The recipients of the humanitarian aid are the municipalities of Lawaan, Balangiga, Giporlos, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes, Hernani and Balangkayan, which were the worst hit in Eastern Samar by super typhoon Yolanda on Nov. 8.
Governor Degamo apologized for the delay in the release of the financial assistance as it had to go through tedious government processes to make sure everything was in order, and that the donation will go smoothly with no hitches, such as with the Commission on Audit.
It may not be much but the amount, taken from the Province’s Quick Response Fund under the Calamity Fund is given “from the heart”, the Governor told the Eastern Samar visitors.
He said that during Yolanda’s aftermath, he and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had discussed and agreed, after consulting with Rep. Evardone, to give to the other municipalities that were not receiving as much aid, and were out of the limelight during the onset of rescue and relief operations, as opposed to areas like Guiuan in Eastern Samar, and Tacloban City in Leyte.
But according to Rep. Evardone, by far, the province of Negros Oriental is the only local government unit with the largest single cash donation to Eastern Samar to date.
Evardone said it came as a surprise to them, considering that other provinces had larger incomes but donated less, although he quickly added they are still grateful to the other donors as well.
Mayor Candida Gabornes of Lawaan could not help but shed tears as she read out loud a resolution for the province of Negros Oriental. Choking on her words, she said that the monetary aid given them will go a long way in their rehabilitation efforts.
The Mayors said the cash assistance will be used for livelihood programs and projects, or for procurement of a lot to provide housing for displaced families.
They said they do not know how they can return the favor in the future, but wished Negros Oriental well with their prayers and that “God will reward you” for the kindness.
“We feel special,” said Mayor Mark Biong of Giporlos, as he also offered his thanks for the graciousness, hospitality, and generosity of the officials and people of Negros Oriental.
For his part, Vice Governor Macias — who, like Degamo, was apologetic for the amount donated — said “it took a disaster like Yolanda for us to get to know each other. Hopefully, we can go and visit your place.”
Rep. Evardone assured the Negros Oriental officials that the donation will be put to good use as he encouraged the Eastern Samar Mayors to give feedback to the donor on the progress of their respective rehabilitation efforts.
According to him, it would take more than five years for Eastern Samar to fully recover from the devastation brought about by Yolanda.
Present on Wednesday to receive their donations were Mayors Candida Gabornes of Lawaan, Viscuso de Lira of Balangiga, Mark Biong of Giporlos, Nedito Campo of Quinapondan, Melchor Mergal of Salcedo, Enrique Cabos of Mercedes, Edgar Boco of Hernani while Allan Contado of Balangkayan could not make it due to another important appointment.
Also on hand to witness the activity were Board Members Erwin Macias, Clyde Lim, Dr. Liland Estacion and Mariant Escaño-Villegas and Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco. (PNA)
