The top two officials of Cebu province showed no sign of political animosity as they handed out checks for P3.2 million in Capitol assistance to Boljoon town, south Cebu.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale with members of the Provincial Board (PB) distributed the checks to barangay captains in the town hall.
It was the third out-of-town session of the PB since Magpale turned down the invitation to run as the One Cebu candidate for vice governor since her Bakud party would ally with the Liberal Party in 2013.
During a consultation forum with barangay officials, Capitol officials assured support for the town’s production of citronella oil, an effective organic insect repellant which can help prevent dengue fever.
Boljoon barangays each received P100,000 financial aaid for health centers and day care centers.
Municipal Mayor Teresita “Daday” Celis also received P2.1 million for the construction of a senior citizens building, public rest room and the drainage open canal of the farm to market road.
The town’s fledging citronella production placed third in a field of 20 competitors in the Obra Negosyo Eskwela Season 2 program. A councilor asked if support for the project would continue now that the contest is over. Garcia said that they will continue to promote the citronella product even in the Suroy Suroy sa Sugbo.
The Boljoon town council passed a resolution last month appealing to farmers to plant citronella for its high potential as an alternative livelihood.
A town official said he wanted farmers to feed hogs with organic material and promote organic farming.