Rewards for a prodigal sister

THE northern town of Daanbantayan can expect more projects and financial assistance from the Cebu Provincial Government after its mayor and the governor reconciled.

The conflict between Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot and Gov. Gwen Garcia started after the 2010 election.

The two women were able to patch up their differences last Aug. 30 during the town’s Haladaya Festival.

Yesterday, Loot, accompanied by Daanbantayan officials and 20 barangay captains, visited the Capitol to again express her support for the gubernatorial bid of One Cebu Party’s bet and Governor Gwen’s brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district).

She first said she would support the bids of Pablo John and his runningmate, former Danao City vice mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV, last Oct. 4.

Loot admitted that the root of her conflict with the governor was intrigue. And “tungod sa kahiubos (because I felt offended),” she said she sided with Gwen’s opponents.

Province’s largesse

The renewed friendship between Daanbantayan and the Capitol means financial assistance to barangay captains, the building of day care centers and barangay halls in the town, the governor said.

Gwen said she already ordered the release of 360 cement bags to the barangays, as the Capitol’s counterpart for the concreting of barangay roads.

Mayor Loot will also be entitled to a P500,000-financial assistance, while the vice mayor will get P250,000.

Gwen said she plans to visit Malapascua to identify spots for the island’s port, circumferential road and the solar lighting system.

She also asked the contractor WTG Construction and the Department of Public Works and Highways 7 to finish the road to the town’s port in Maya.

It’s set for completion at the end of the year, said Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district).

Salimbangon also filed in Congress a bill that will establish an alternative international airport in the fourth district.