Martinez asks PB to realign budget for rehab efforts

Local

A MEMBER of the of the Cebu Provincial Board is pushing for what he described as “urgent and responsible” realignment of provincial funds.

In a privilege speech on Monday, Nov. 24, Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III urged his colleagues to shift spending priorities toward disaster-hit communities, strengthened social services, and long-delayed rehabilitation efforts.

Martinez acknowledged the national government’s commitment to shoulder part of the rebuilding costs but said Cebu must still act decisively with its own resources.

"I was hoping nga since mas naa man tay control sa funds and status sa provincial government then we can set the priorities sa atoa," he said.

"Anyway kung naay mo follow nga funding gikan sa national government nga gihatag, we can always make a supplemental budget to move the budget nato diri rather than moving the budget ngadto sa taas," he added.

Martinez stressed that Cebu remains burdened by the impacts of recent earthquakes, flooding, and Typhoon Tino, which damaged government facilities and public infrastructure.

"Lightweight assistance, capacity-building programs and technical support must form a central part of our rehabilitation plan, Mr. Chair," he said.

He said social and health services must be reinforced in towns and cities hardest hit by calamities and insisted that preparedness and mitigation can no longer be optional.

He pointed out the unregulated development, population pressure, and overstressed drainage systems that worsen Cebu’s vulnerability.

Martinez also questioned the province’s continued reliance on the decade-old 2017 Mega Cebu Plan.

"And so I must ask, why are we still recycling through the same ideas? Why are we still relying on outdated master plans? Why have we not developed new, forward-looking solutions?" he said, as he pushed for an integrated, updated master plan featuring expressways, railway systems, sustainable waste management, and decongestion strategies.

He then referred to the flash flood brought by Typhoon Tino, recalling its impact and the progress in recovery efforts.

“There were 14 villages that were affected by the flash flood. Up to now, our clearing of recovery efforts has been successful. There are now 11 villages that are no longer affected by the flash flood,” he said.

With a recovery fund now available, Martinez said efforts must remain focused.

“We will focus on the most important priorities. We will focus on the most important priorities. We will focus on the local government in Danau. We will maximize the resources we have. We will not give up, we will not give up," he said.(MyTVCebu)