Tacloban City – USEC Celia Yangco warmed the hearts of the people of Mondragon, Northern Samar with her presence in the May 17 inauguration and turn over of the KALAHI-CIDSS flood control sub-project in Bgy. Bugko, Mondragon, Northern Samar.
After the ribbon-cutting that signaled the inauguration of the 210 linear meters flood control barrier, the Undersecretary chatted with the villagers. After learning from Mayor Ismael Bugna, Jr. that the families living along the river bank would be relocated, Usec Yangco committed a core shelter program for those who would be displaced, provided the local government unit had a relocation site ready. This announcement was cheered by the crowd.
Mayor Bugna assured Usec Yangco that a two hectares relocation site is already available in Bgy. Bagasbas. The mayor also revealed his plans to beautify the area along the flood control barrier. Bugna also said that the area will be transformed to a “boulevard” and named after the undersecretary in honor of her visit to the barangay. Bugna explained that Usec Yangco was the first top ranking national government official to visit Mondragon town, particularly in Bgy. Bugko.
The 1.436 million pesos flood control barrier is a financial collaboration of the KALAHI-CIDSS, community, and barangay-municipal-provincial governments. Records showed that the structure was completed in 57 working days and in time for the undersecretary’s visit to Catarman, Northern Samar to open the 2nd Annual PYPA Summit.