By Sammy F. Martin
MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) — Liberal Party “Daang Matuwid” standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II has promised that ordinary people need not go to Malacañang for help but “they can expect Malacanang to go where they are to serve them.”
During the inauguration of rehabilitation projects in Bogo City, Cebu, Roxas said that if he is elected President, his administration will be the one to come forward to listen to the plea of ordinary people.
Roxas was the guest of honor during the inauguration of the Polambato Port Passenger Terminal, which was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the height of typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013. The construction of the port was finished in June 2015 through funding worth PhP2.5 million from the local government unit of Bogo.
The former Secretary of Interior and Local Government also went to see the Bogo Sports Complex, which was rehabilitated through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Recovery Assistance for Yolanda (RAY) fund worth PhP4,137,666.
Roxas initiated the DILG-RAY to accomplish the reconstruction of totally and partially-damaged provincial/city municipal buildings, public markets, civic centers and barangay infrastructures in Yolanda-affected areas.
“Natutuwa ako na makita kayo dito, makasalamuha kayo, magkasama tayo, kasi nata-touch ako, nakikita ko kayo, at nasasariwa sa ating lahat kung ano ang ipinaglalaban natin,” he told the estimated 1,300 Bogo City residents, who are now able to use the newly reconstructed government facilities in their area.
The Bogo Public Market, a vital place for the city’s farming families, was also reconstructed under the same program through a PhP2,404,992.79 allocation from the local government.
With the DILG-RAY’s Building Back Better vision, Yolanda-affected areas were able to undergo a sustainable long-term recovery process, facilitating a faster return to normal government services and economic activities.
He said the recovery is a difficult challenge for both the people and the national government.
Roxas also promised the continuation and improvement of the reform programs initiated during the Aquino administration, which are centered on improving the lives of every Filipino family. (PNA)