Dad wants to know how much city spent in seven barangays

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante wants to know how the local calamity fund was disbursed after the city council declared a state of calamity in seven coastal barangays, which were hit by huge waves caused by Typhoon Gener. 

Last August 3, the city council declared barangays Poblacion, Cansojong, Dumlog, Pooc, Tangke, Biasong, and San Roque under a state of calamity.

Villarante, through a proposed resolution, asked the local treasurer to submit a report on the utilization/disbursement of the calamity fund. 

According to Villarante, when the city approved the resolution for the declaration of a state calamity, it did not specify the amount chargeable to the calamity fund. 

He said Section 7 subparagraph b.5 states that the local treasurer shall prepare and submit a report on the utilization/disbursement of the calamity fund, duly approved by the local chief executive to the sangguniang concerned, Commission on Audit and Local Development Council copy furnished the Local Disaster Coordination Council. 

“The resolution no. 2012-26-1 did not specify the amount chargeable to the calamity fund, the local development council shall monitor the use and disbursement of the calamity fund,” Villarante said, who is the assistant chairman, committee on laws.

The calamity fund is the five-percent allocation of the total projected income of the local government unit for the year.

Under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2012, the calamity fund should be used for pre-disaster preparedness programs that include training, purchase of life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, and post-disaster activities. (FREEMAN)