Realignment of unspent Yolanda donations pushed

CEBU, Philippines — A cash donation worth P15.4 million for the Super Typhoon Yolanda–stricken communities in northern Cebu has been sitting idle in banks for years.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) learned about the unused funds after it asked for a budget assessment from the Provincial Accounting Office.

Provincial Accountant Ramon Dumayac said it was just this year that his office discovered the P15.4 million in local and foreign donations for victims of Yolanda.

"Mo-continue gyud to siya bisan five years pang wala nagamit. Mo-continue, trust fund na to siya," he said.

Sixteen towns in northern Cebu have been affected when Yolanda ravaged Visayas on November 8, 2013, killing and displacing thousands of people.

To utilize the cash donations, PDRRMO wants the budget realigned for DRRM-related projects.

Biggest chunk of the budget is being proposed for the construction of an evacuation center worth P6.5 million in Barangay Bunacan, Madridejos town.

The remaining funds would be allotted for the installation of solar street lighting for island and upland off-grid barangays from 16 Yoland-affected local government units (P3.5 million); and for the construction of a flood control bridge in Barangay San Isidro, Tabogon town (P3 million).

The PDRRMO is eyeing to buy over P1,000 units of solar lights for the lighting project.

Moreover, one million would be set aside for the rehabilitation of the water system in Barangay Antipolo, Medellin town. Portion of the amount would be spent for the purchase of at least 890 units of 200-liter of plastic drums for rainwater catchment.

All the projects are set to be accomplished by December next year.

The proposal to realign the budget was recently approved by the PDRRM Council.

The budget realignment, however, still needs to be approved by the Provincial Board and the governor. (FREEMAN)