In a move to enhance tourism, Cebu Province has disbursed more than PHP126 million for infrastructure development across several towns and Bantayan Island, as announced by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday. The funds are designated for projects that local leaders can choose, aiming to improve tourist attractions and facilities.
The distribution of funds saw PHP24 million allocated to the mayors of Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos, with each receiving PHP5 million. Additionally, the vice mayors of these towns were each granted PHP3 million. Governor Garcia emphasized that these allocations are for infrastructure projects selected by the local officials.
Further, seven local government units in Cebu’s third district were allocated a total of PHP54 million. This included PHP8 million each for the city of Toledo and the towns of Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan. The funds were split with PHP5 million for mayoral projects and PHP3 million for vice mayoral offices. The town of Barili received PHP6 million, with PHP5 million for Mayor John-John Garcia’s project and PHP1 million for Vice Mayor Luisito Ponsica’s office.
In the fourth district, six local government units—Medellin, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, and the City of Bogo—each received PHP8 million for infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, the town of Tabogon was allocated PHP8 million for infrastructure and an extra PHP3.25 million to support the Sanggi Festival.
Governor Garcia stressed that all funds are subject to the auditing requirements set by the Commission on Audit, ensuring transparency and accountability in their use.