Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said he is suggesting that Bacolod gives priority to its sister cities in sending aid to those affected by the recent flood in Manila and Luzon.

Leonardia said that, initially, he and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson have agreed that the city will allocate P1 million for the flood victims in those areas.

“I suggested that we give priority to our sister cities that were affected, like Parañaque, Marikina and San Juan. Recently Bacolod had entered into a sisterhood relationship with Makati, but I do not think it needs help,” he said.

For one, Makati was not badly affected and it has enough resources, Leonardia said. But they will make sure that a substantial amount will have to go to their sister cities because this is one of the times when they can show that the relationship is working, he said. “We can never tell if someday, we will be the one needing their help,” he added.

Leonardia said that on the part of the city, this is also a gesture of thanks since the city was spared from the calamity. One cannot stop that kind of rain. It is climate change that one is fighting against now, he said.

Meanwhile, Fely Caras of the Department of Social Services and Development-Bacolod, said that since the assistance desk for the Bacolod Cares program was set up last week at the lobby of the government center, they have only collected cash donation of P300 and some used clothing. They will continue to accept donations until August 31, she said.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said perhaps the people do not realize the extent of damage caused by the floods in Manila and some areas in Luzon.

Sayson said media appears to focus so much attention on the flood victims in Metro Manila and he believes there is a need to look at what is happening to other provinces in Luzon that have greater damage.

He appealed to the public to share whatever extra resources they could extend to the flood victims as a way of thanking God that Bacolod has been spared from the calamity.*CGS

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