'If we don't do the economic reactivation it will be difficult for us to rebuild,' the governor of the Valley told President Abelardo De La Espriella

The governor of Valle, Dilian Francisca Toro, warned President Abelardo De La Espriella during a meeting in Cali on August 28 that economic recovery is essential to achieving reconstruction efforts following the earthquake of August 10. The discussion took place as part of a coordinated effort among government officials to address immediate needs and long-term rebuilding plans. During the session, held in Cali, President De La Espriella, Governor Toro, and Mayor Alejandro Eder convened to outline joint funding strategies aimed at protecting local businesses and ensuring the return of hundreds of children affected by the disaster through real-time logistical solutions. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing both physical infrastructure and the broader socioeconomic fabric of the region. Governor Toro emphasized that without economic revitalization, true reconstruction would remain elusive. She highlighted that rebuilding goes beyond repairing structures, it requires restoring community networks and financial stability. “If we don’t carry out economic recovery, it will be difficult for us to achieve reconstruction,” she stated, stressing that social cohesion must be prioritized alongside physical restoration. To support this initiative, the governor announced a dedicated budget allocation of 20 billion pesos, intended to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners. However, she stressed the need for additional funding from the Ministry of Commerce to expand the program’s reach. “We have the resources here, but we need the ministry’s co-financing so more people can benefit,” she explained, calling for collaboration with the City Council of Cali and the Chamber of Commerce of Cali. President De La Espriella responded swiftly to the request, halting the session to issue direct orders to his advisors. He instructed them to communicate immediately with the minister and resolve the matter promptly. When informed that the minister was still abroad, he joked, “Hasn’t he arrived yet from Japan? We’re already closing?” His remarks reflected both urgency and a sense of frustration over delayed responses. The governor further outlined her strategy, emphasizing the importance of working with the National Entrepreneurship Agency, known as iNNpulsa. She proposed creating a shared fund, referred to as a “vaquita”, where multiple stakeholders could contribute to support entrepreneurs. “With iNNpulsa, we can build this fund together, and the Chamber of Commerce can help too. If we do this with Cali, we can make progress throughout the Valle del Cauca,” she added. President De La Espriella concluded the agreement by declaring, “It should be published, notified, and carried out.” In response, Governor Toro praised the swift institutional action, saying, “Speaking and acting, president,” to which De La Espriella replied, “Yes, exactly. Here, speeches are over. We come to act, to solve.” Building on this momentum, the governor raised another critical demand. She requested large tents for temporary school shelters, stating that such facilities were necessary to resume classes for displaced children. Her appeal underscored the ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by the disaster and the need for continued support.