Brgys told: Activate disaster teams to use fund

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City disaster risk reduction and management officer Vince Monterde yesterday called for the organization of the barangay disaster management teams of the 22 barangays to make use of their five percent calamity fund.

Monterde said the city government already received series of requests from the barangays on purchases of disaster equipment.

This includes chainsaws, ropes, helmets with light, axes and generators, among others.

But according to Monterde, the barangays can utilize and use their calamity fund saying that the barangays have allotted five percent of their yearly funds for disaster management-related activities and equipment by virtue of the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010."

Under the law, the five percent calamity fund must cover 70 percent for disaster preparedness, which include pre and post-disaster preparedness and 30 percent for quick response fund or standby fund for relief and emergency situations.

"Not less than five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as the LDRRMF to support disaster risk management activities such as, but  not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities, and for the payment of premiums on calamity insurance," Monterde said as he quoted the provision of the law.

The 22 barangays were already clustered into three areas as either coastal, upland and urban.

Monterde added the city will be launching an intensive training program on disaster mitigation and preparedness for its barangay disaster action teams in order to strengthen disaster management system.

Training is set for next month.

"Ang training and seminar is set. For the coastal barangays, we have September, ang urban barangays kay October ug upland barangays will be in November," Monterde said.

"Atong i-train ang ilang capacity to handle disaster aron proactive ang mga officials ug makasanong dayon sila everytime ato ipatawag og meeting," he added.

Furthermore, Monterde reminded the barangay officials that their budget must include appropriations for disaster preparedness of not less than five percent of their regular sources of income, pursuant to RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.  (FREEMAN)