Disaster council submits P98.6M budget to PB

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Cebu has approved the P98.6 million of calamity fund appropriated under the 2013 PDRRM Plan.

The amount represents the five percent of the estimated revenues from regular sources, set aside as the PDRRM Fund to support disaster risk management activities of the Province of Cebu.

Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon said that the amount was computed using this year's income of the province subject for adjustment in budget documents with unexpended and budget programmed.

The 2013 PDRRM Plan shall form part of the proposed 2013 annual budget to be submitted by the executive department to the PB for approval on or before October 16.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia submitted the P3.6 billion annual budget for this year that was approved en toto by the Provincial Board.

Disaster risk management activities include but not limited to pre-disaster preparedness programs, post-disaster activities, support to other local government units declared under state of calamity, and for relief and recovery programs to uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property.

Its utilization for programs, projects, and activities is geared to ensure that basic rescue and response supplies and equipment are procured and to operationalize the provisions of the National DRRM Plan.

Of the total amount, P26 million is set aside for pre-disaster activities which include prevention and mitigation and preparedness.

The P30 million is set aside for the relief and recovery activities during disaster until recovery; P40 million for the support to other LGUs and national government agencies during disaster; P1.7 million for post-disaster immediately after disaster and after recovery; and P939,000 for the operation of PDRRM Council of Cebu and or Office.

The giving of assistance to calamity-stricken provinces is now the subject of fact-finding inquiry of the Provincial Board after the Commission on Audit reportedly questioned the disbursement without the consent of the PB. (FREEMAN)