ERUF gets P5 million from city

CEBU, Philippines — In order to better respond to disasters, Cebu City government has given financial assistance of P5 million to Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) to purchase additional equipment.

Mayor Edgardo Labella recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the representatives of ERUF for the purpose.

“As we all know, we have become a calamity prone community, and ERUF has proven to be very supportive and has helped us effectively and efficiently battle or fight disasters, whether man-made or natural calamities,” said Labella.

This is the first financial assistance given by the city government which comes from the general fund and Labella is positive that this hopefully won’t be the last time for his term.

Labella said that ERUF asked if it was possible to increase the aid given, adding he responded that he will discuss it with the finance committee and council.

Accredited NGOs that will receive assistance from the city will have to liquidate all their purchases, he said.

“There were many NGOs and foundations even if they were accredited they were not able to liquidate, in our particular case now we have to be strict in the implementation of the rule that unless they have liquidated they cannot get another assistance,” said Labella.

Meanwhile, the MOA signed was already reviewed by the city legal office and it was favorably acted upon - the terms of the MOA being not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order and public policy.  JMD (FREEMAN)