• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City has confirmed that it is increasing its financial donation for earthquake victims in Cebu to P3 million.
Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed the increase in the amount, noting that the city government initially announced a donation of P2 million last week.
The P3 million donation was approved by the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“Initially, the P2 million is intended for Bogo City alone, but we had a meeting last Friday and in the discussion there are also other municipalities affected so we decided to increase the donation,” Gasataya said.
According to the mayor, the city will channel the entire 3 million donation through the Provincial Government of Cebu for proper coordination.
In an interview, Gasataya said he will still request authorization from the Sangguniang Panlungsod to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Cebu.
Gasataya explained that securing the MOA is a necessary guideline set by the Commission on Audit for the proper handling of such donations.
“When others are in pain, we don’t look away. We reach out, because in times like these, we can only stand stronger when we are together,” Gasataya said in a statement.*
