RDC 7 approves P26.9B rehab plan

THE Regional Development Council (RDC) yesterday approved three rehabilitation plans for Central Visayas amounting to P26.9 billion.

The RDC approved a separate plan for Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental to repair damage from the Oct. 15 earthquake and Nov. 8’s superphoon Yolanda.

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto proposed a P12.3 billion plan for the rehabilitation of government buildings, historical sites, land, sea and air terminals and ports.

The bulk of the amount is needed for infrastructure at P5.8 billion, social development at P4.4 billion, economic development at P1.2 billion and development administration worth P788 million.

Efren Carreon, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) 7 director and officer-in-charge chairman of RDC, said the rehabilitation plans will be the basis for the national government to allocate funds for each  province.

The Cebu provincial government, meanwhile, indicated P26.8 million for 16 cities and municipalities in northern Cebu that were heavily affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.

For typhoon-related repairs, Bohol needs P80.7 million while Negros Oriental indicated they need P1 million for rehabilitation efforts.

Earlier, the Capitol’s task force Paglig-on came up with an initial P24.7 billion rehabilitation plan.

The Provincial Development Council (PDC) approved the smaller amount last Friday but this increased after gathering more damage assessment reports from other agencies, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said.

The biggest share of the fund is needed for  shelter and resettlement, P23.6 billion, followed by the cost of the rehabilitation plan implementation at P1.2 billion.

For livelihood and emergency employment, the Capitol allocated P558 million, P478 million for infrastructure and P853 million for the repair of school and health facilities. Social development projects will need P25 million and utilities P46 million.