Over 600 councilors from Cebu’s component cities and municipalities received some good news during the yearend assembly of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu Chapter on November 28.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who graced the assembly, announced that each of them present at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu shall receive an allocation of 300,000 from the Provincial Government to fund their infrastructure projects.
“Importante gyod kaayo nga magkahiusa, kay kon magsige na lang tag lalis sa konseho, dili gyod ta ani makapadayon sa atong tinguha,” Gov. Gwen said in her speech.
The Governor was welcomed by PCL Cebu president and Board Member Kuya Nick Pepito.
Also present were Congresswoman Daphne Lagon, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III; Board Members Glenn Soco, Kerrie Shimura, Raymond Calderon, Mike Villamor, Stanley Caminero, and Loren Singco; as well as the Governor’s daughter Carissa.
The Governor advised the councilors per LGU to pool their allocations so that they may be able to have a bigger budget for a bigger project. She also asked them to finish the projects by June 30, as the funding allocation is intended for this political term and should not go beyond the said date.
Last year, the Capitol allocated P200,000 in infrastructure aid for all councilors who joined the same assembly. One requirement for the release of the P300,000 fund is for the councilors who received the same funding last year to be able to make proper accounting and liquidation report to the Capitol.
The pledge of P300,000 for each legislator is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local governance and improve the quality of public services in Cebu. Councilors are expected to focus on priority projects that can directly impact the lives of their constituents, ranging from road improvements to vital public facilities.
This significant financial commitment is a clear indication of the Governor’s dedication to building lasting partnerships with local government units and her focus on making infrastructure a cornerstone of Cebu’s growth and development. | JMT