COA: “Slow” utilization of donations in Bantayan and Sta. Fe

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit has asked the municipalities of Bantayan and Santa Fe to fast track their rehabilitation projects for areas damaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

 COA, in its 2013 audit report, disclosed that the utilization of donations and assistance received is slow in the two affected localities in northern Cebu that were severely hit by the typhoon.

 The commission stated that the action of the local government units of Bantayan and Santa Fe is contrary to Section 3(p) and 4 of Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as an Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

 The law provides maximum care, assistance and services to individuals and families affected by disaster, implement emergency rehabilitation projects to lessen the impact of disaster, and facilitate resumption of normal social and economic activities. 

 It further provides for the development of policies and plans and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk reduction and management, including good governance, risk assessment and early warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying risk factors, and preparedness for effective “response and recovery” which shall apply to all levels of government, civil societies, and all other DRM stakeholders.

 In Bantayan, verification on the list of donations and cash assistance disclosed that the municipality received a total amount of P12,529,656.64 as of March 23, 2014 for typhoon Yolanda victims.

 However, COA said only P4,140,850 or 33.05 percent was utilized as of February 25, 2014.

 Mayor Ian Christopher Escario explained that P3 million is reserved for the purchase of lots to serve as relocation sites for typhoon victims.

 However, they encountered difficulty in complying with the requirements of the Cebu Provincial Committee for lot appraisal and certification from the DENR that the properties are within the alienable and disposable area.

 He added that P2.9 million is also allocated for the acquisition of corrugated sheets for repair of damaged houses. Further, the amount of P5,287,500 allocated for cash for work were already fully disbursed.

 In Santa Fe, the municipality received a total amount of P3,805,000 in donations and financial assistance as of January 24, 2014 for typhoon Yolanda victims.

 However, COA said only P1,490,307 or 39.16 percent has been utilized as of February 28, 2014.

 The municipality justified that approval by the council was required for the usage of financial assistance.

 COA recommended that the LGUs concerned exercise “meticulous and judicious planning” to fast track repair and rehabilitation project to lessen impact of disaster and to ensure effective service to the public. (FREEMAN)