TACLOBAN CITY –The reopening of the Coca Cola plant in this city was roundly welcome by local officials saying this only shows that they still have confidence on Tacloban, still reeling from the aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda.
City Vice Mayor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said that while the Coca Cola plant sustained major damages during the onslaught of Yolanda ten months ago, the Coca Cola FEMSA chose to reopen again their operations. He said that personally, he was glad that the management decided to operate again as their plant, located along Fatima Area, is considered a part of Tacloban’s history and culture. And hours after the massive typhoon that destroyed the plant, the workers did their share in helping other victims of Yolanda, the vice mayor said.
“Coca-Cola was offering water outside but at the back, people are getting stuff from you. You are giving until you have nothing to give,” Yaokasin said. Speaking in behalf of Mayor Alfred Romualdez, his spokesperson Bernardita “Bering” Valenzuela echoed the sentiments of the vice mayor saying that with the Coca Cola back in business, not only its workers will benefit but the city government of Tacloban.
According to Valenzuela, Coca Cola Tacloban is one of the top ten taxpayers of the city government which in effect, help it to sustain its programs for its people. She added that the reopening of the Coca Cola is strong testament that they still believe in Tacloban as an area to do business. “Your re-opening is a message to other establishments, that Tacloban and Region 8 is still a region to invest,” Valenzuela. The reopening of the Coca-Cola Tacloban plant was graced by its chief executive officer Juan Ramon Felix, CEO; Juan Dominguez, human resources and corporate affairs director; Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla; Vice Gov. Carlo Loreto and other city officials. (JONA MAE ESTIL, LNU Intern)
