Capitol lobbies for P400M disaster investment for 2027

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government is proposing a P400-million disaster risk reduction and management investment for 2027, with the biggest share earmarked for disaster preparedness to strengthen its capacity before emergencies strike.

Of the proposed allocation, P168 million, or 60 percent, will be devoted to disaster preparedness, while P56 million, or 20 percent, is earmarked for disaster response and early recovery.

The proposed funding is part of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), which was approved by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during its third-quarter meeting at the Capitol on September 17.

The meeting was presided over by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano.

Head of PDRRMO retired Col. Dennis Pastor said the emphasis on preparedness follows the directive of Governor Pamela Baricuatro to strengthen the province's readiness for emergencies and disasters.

“Governor Pam really invested in preparedness; that is why we follow the marching order that we should prepare our communities, our local DRRMOs in the event of untoward incidents,” said Pastor.

The P168-million preparedness allocation will cover the acquisition of equipment for the PDRRMO, its Emergency Operations Center, and warehouses.

Meanwhile, P56 million, or 20 percent of the proposed P400-million AIP, will be allocated for disaster response and early recovery.

Another P28 million, or 10 percent, is earmarked for disaster prevention and mitigation, while P28 million, also equivalent to 10 percent, is programmed for recovery and rehabilitation.

On top of the P400-million proposed AIP, a separate P120-million Quick Response Fund (QRF) is being provided for emergency and disaster response, relief operations, and rehabilitation and recovery in disaster-affected areas.

Pastor said the larger allocation for preparedness reflects the province's effort to ensure that equipment and other resources are available before disasters occur.

"Ang programming man gud is more on preparedness. We buy things that are very expensive, hoping that we will not be able to use it," Pastor shared.

He added that the province considers disaster preparedness an investment that should not be compromised.

The proposed funding also comes as the PDRRMO expands its manpower and operational capacity.

When the Baricuatro administration assumed office, the PDRRMO had only 10 personnel.

The office now has 85 personnel, which is why the proposed 2027 funding also intends to expand its personnel and operational capacity.

The PDRRMO is also currently operating at least seven mobile kitchens as part of its disaster response capability.

The office is likewise acquiring vehicles to address its operational requirements.

Pastor said the revived PDRRMO had no running vehicle when it began operations, making additional transportation assets part of the office's operational needs.

The proposed investment is therefore spread across the four major areas of disaster risk reduction and management, with preparedness receiving the largest share of the P400-million allocation.

The P168 million for preparedness is six times the P28 million proposed for prevention and mitigation and recovery and rehabilitation, respectively.

The P56 million programmed for response and early recovery represents the second-largest component of the proposed AIP.

The separate P120-million quick response fund (QRF) will provide another pool of funds specifically intended for emergency and disaster-related requirements, including relief operations and rehabilitation and recovery in affected areas.

The proposed P400-million AIP, along with the separate QRF, will still undergo the budget process for the 2027 fiscal year. (CEBU NEWS)