Talisay sets aside P27M for disaster preparedness

CEBU, Philippines - After several weeks of formulating and finalizing the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan, Talisay appropriates over P27 million for disaster preparedness and mitigation and for quick response. 

Councilor Celiapo Cabuenas, who is the chairman of the committee on social welfare and services, said the City Development Council has already approved the 2013 City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and endorsed the plan to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for confirmation and adoption of the same to the Annual Investment Plan. 

In a proposed resolution No. 2012-37-1, an appropriation of P19,113,654 for disaster preparedness and mitigation, which includes the procurement, maintenance of heavy equipment and disaster operation vehicles; the maintenance of Drainage, Dredging, Declogging; Riprapping and Slope Protection and Storm Surge Protection; Capability Building, trainings and Drills; Construction and Rehabilitation of Evacuation Centers; Purchase of Rescue Operation and Other Related Equipments for Disaster Operation and Purchase and Repair of Area Wide Calamity Related Alarm or Warning System. 

An allocation of P8,191,567.10 is intended for quick response, which includes the Procurement of Supplies, food stuff, and drugs and medicines. 

Cabuenas said the amount was taken from the five percent general fund of the City Disaster Risk 

Reduction and Management Fund (CDRRMF). 

As mandated by Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, every Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) is mandated to come up with a Comprehensive Disaster Framework to encompass disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness. 

“It is essential for a Comprehensive Disaster Framework to have an Annual Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan,” Cabuenas said. (FREEMAN)