By: April Therese Tan
Former Department of Tourism secretary Ace Durano inspired by the stories of Cebuanos’ resiliency during their relief operations for those who were hit by Typhoon Odette, Durano promises to do more as their group continues relief operations in the next few days.
Durano admits that their assistance is not that big but heartily given.
“Kabalo ko nga gamay ra kaayo ni siya pero ug mangayo ra ko daan dispensa sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga dili ta makahatag ug dako, pero atong hinabang kinasingkasing ug kani, pina-agi ani, nanghinaut ta nga matabangan sad nato ang gobyerno. Karong panahona, tinabangay tang tanan,” said Durano in a statement.
The Cebu gubernatorial aspirant was able to raised P180,000 but spent P1,820,000 for the relief operations of Bakud Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (BAKUD), the major political party led by the Duranos in the 5th district.
Initially, Durano’s relief assistance including cash and rice reached the cities of Mandaue, Danao, Talisay and Naga as well the municipalities of Compostela, Liloan, Cordova, Minglanilla, Sibonga and Argao.
“Grabe nga kalisud ang gi-agihan sa atong mga kaigsuonan. Ang uban nila, wala na’y tarong pinuy-anan, maglisud pa gani pangita ug tubig mainum, pero dako gyapon kaayo ilang ngisi, kusug gyapon ilang katawa sa among mga relief operations,” Durano added.
It can be recalled that on January 4, 2022, Durano met with partners from different towns to facilitate the financial assistance of P100,000 per local government units totalling to P1.2 million.
Those that received the financial aid are Argao, Asturias, Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Barili, Consolacion, Cordova, Oslob, Pinamungajan, San Fernando, Sibonga and Toledo.
Durano also donated 12 generator sets to help areas that still don’t have stable supply of power.
Durano said his group will continue their relief operations, but says it’s only minimal as it’s only to support the aid that should come from the government.
“Kini ato gamay ra ni kay personal ra nga support pero unta makatabang. Pero manghinaot ta nga makuha na gyud sa tanan ang tabang gikan sa Kapitolyo kay sa atong paglibot, daghan paman gyud ang muingon na wala pa sila kadawat sa tabang. Daghan pa gyud ang galisod. Magtinabangay lang ta hangtud makabangon gyud ang Sugbo,” Durano further said.