COA urges Danao to adopt local disaster mgt plan

CEBU, Philippines -  The Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan of Danao City is not yet prepared based on the findings of the Commission on Audit.

The LDRRM Plan shall be the basis in the allocation of the LDRRM Fund and encompasses the four areas of disaster risk and reduction management such as disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

“We recommend that the City DRRM Council adopt a LDRRM Plan to provide local needs for prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery in cases calamities occur, thus reducing disaster risk,” read the 2013 audit report.

Section 12(6) of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, provides that local government units shall formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated LDRRM Plan in accordance with the national, regional and provincial framework, and policies on disaster risk reduction in close coordination with the local development councils.

On July 22, 2013, Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III issued Executive Order 021 providing, among others, the composition of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

However, COA said there was no LDRRM Plan developed yet.

Likewise, it said that the former LDRRM Council has not incorporated its Work and Financial Plan in its 2013 Annual Budget.

In 2013, the city appropriated P16,769,141.12 for its LDRRM Fund.  Likewise, the city disbursed the amount of P1,135,934.80, out of which P535,934.80 was spent as relief goods to 3,051 families affected by typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013 and P600,000 was given as financial assistance to municipalities affected by the typhoon.

COA said, though, that before the audit report was released, the city has already prepared and submitted to the Audit Team the LDRRMF Plan for the unexpended balances for 2011 and 2012.

Also, the LDRRMF Plan for 2014 has already been incorporated in its 2014 Annual Budget.  — NSA (FREEMAN)