PB unsure on existence of disaster body

CEBU, Philippines -  While a lot of preparations have already been done by the Provincial Government to mitigate effects of calamities, the Provincial Board is still debating whether there exists a body taking charge of the disaster risk management programs.

The issue was taken up during the discussions on the proposed ordinance creating the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Cebu authored by Board Member Thadeo Ouano.

Board Members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero contended if the measure is not a duplication of something that is functioning.

They said that every time a storm is coming, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia immediately convenes the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council composed of various government agencies.

Ouano said that if there was such, it might be a creation by an executive order issued by the governor.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that what she got is only Executive Order No. 2-2011 mandating local government units to take active participation in the Community Defense Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Trainings (CDDRRMT) spearheaded by the 7th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) in coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense-7 and other concerned government agencies.

Provincial Secretary Aniceta Pasaylo also cannot assure if there was an ordinance that created the PDCC that was later replaced by PDRRMC when a new law was passed in 2010.

Ouano invoked Section 11 of Republic Act 10121, also known as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010, which mandates the organization at the local level of the disaster risk reduction and management councils.

It is also reiterated in a Memorandum Circular No. 2010-143, dated December 9, 2010 of the Department of Interior and Local Government signed by Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Ouano said that it is important to have the council that will approve the disbursement of calamity funds.

The Province of Cebu has been giving financial assistance to calamity stricken areas in the country upon the discretion only of the governor.

Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla said that with or without the council referred by Ouano, the governor has the prerogative to disburse funds from sources in the annual appropriation.

Records of the DILG also show that all the cities and municipalities in the Province of Cebu already have their respective DRRMCs although some are established permanently while others are temporary where there is no designated personnel. —(FREEMAN)