Capitol proposes P88.7 million disaster fund to elevate response systems

CEBU, Philippines — From additional rescue vehicles to better communication systems and emergency shelters, Cebu Province's proposed P88.7-million disaster fund was approved, intended to strengthen emergency response.

The funding program was approved by the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). The proposal will next be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for deliberation and approval before it can be implemented.

The trust fund is intended to bankroll disaster risk reduction and management programs across Cebu Province, with the largest share of the budget dedicated to preparedness measures aimed at improving emergency response capabilities.

According to the approved allocation, P73.7 million will be used for disaster preparedness, P6 million for disaster prevention and mitigation, P4 million for disaster response and early recovery, and P5 million for recovery and rehabilitation initiatives.

A significant portion of the preparedness allocation, P47 million, will finance the acquisition of emergency response assets, including a water tanker, a mobile command center, additional response vehicles and a mobile shower unit.

Another P15 million has been earmarked for information technology equipment, communication systems and digital platforms that will enhance the operations of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Command Center.

The council also allocated P10 million for the procurement of rescue equipment, personal protective gear, life detectors and seismic equipment to improve responders' capability during search-and-rescue operations.

An additional P2 million will be used to establish an emergency water supply system for the PDRRMO Command Center.

For disaster prevention and mitigation, the proposed budget sets aside P1 million for information, education and communication campaigns on flood, drought, typhoon and earthquake risks, while P5 million will support capacity-building activities and training programs.

The disaster response and early recovery component, amounting to P4 million, will fund the procurement and distribution of relief goods, emergency supplies and temporary shelters for affected areas and disaster victims.

Another P5 million has been allocated for recovery and rehabilitation projects to help communities recover following disasters.

The meeting was presided over by Governor Pam Baricuatro, who chairs the PDRRMC, together with Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano, PDRRMO focal person retired Col. Dennis Pastor, Capitol department heads, and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of Civil Defense and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

Pastor said the proposed trust fund is designed to strengthen the province's disaster preparedness and response capabilities by investing in equipment, facilities and systems that can be mobilized during emergencies.

He added that the proposed investments will also improve coordination through upgraded command center communication systems while ensuring that rescue teams are equipped with the necessary vehicles and specialized equipment during disasters. — /IHM (FREEMAN)