Tagbilaran City government has been fortunate to get tremendous support and help from various sectors to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus disease (Covid) pandemic.

According to the City Media Bureau’s report released to The Bohol Tribune yesterday, Nov. 7, 2020, the city government is fortunate to have received various assistance from generous groups and individuals. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, the provincial government handed a P1 million check to the city government. The turn over of the cash grant coincided with the 124th birth anniversary celebration of Bohol’s most illustrious son, the late former President Carlos P. Garcia.

Gov. Arthur Yap, Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos, and First District Cong. Edgar Chatto led the turnover rites last Wednesday, the City Media Bureau report bares.

Last week, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) donated sacks of rice to the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) residing in Tagbilaran City. 

INC Executive Director Eduardo Manalo through its District Minister Bro. Axriel Pelaez, Asst. Dist. Minister Bro. Nestor Acuzar, local ministers Lorenzo Noble and Avelino Rosales Sr. personally delivered the donation and distributed the rice support to the beneficiaries.

Moreover, Gugma Tagbilaran, founded and established by First Lady Jane Yap, is also in the forefront of extending assistance to the city government.

The intelligent disinfection door, thermal scanners, face shields and masks, relief packs, alcohol, and personal protective equipment (PPE) compose the bulk of its aid to the city government, the report adds.

Other private sector organizations also lent a helping hand to the city.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (FFCCCII) through Engr. Albert Uy provided rapid test kits to the city government.

The Bohol Bankers Association gave handheld radios to the city police force to strengthen its monitoring activities. 

Furthermore, J & T Express and Oro Integrated Cooperative during the early stage of the pandemic, gave sacks of rice.

Telecommunications giant Globe Telecoms provided a tablet computer to the city government to facilitate contactless transactions. 

Mayor John Geesnell Yap II is thankful to the help extended to the local government unit of Tagbilaran.

The local chief executive is also acknowledging the significant support coming from the national government agencies. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to 14,960 beneficiaries in the city, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave cash assistance to 140 displaced workers, on the other hand, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through Regional Executive Director Salvador Diputado provided livelihood kits each to the city’s 15 barangays. 

Finally, Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Pia Cayetano also extended assistance to Tagbilaran City.

 “These acts of kindness drive us towards resilience and optimism. Despite the uncertainty of the times, we are confident to embrace the future with hope and positivity”, Yap said.