Mandaue eyes P285M disaster fund

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City is set to allocate P285 million for disaster risk reduction and management programs next year, with the bulk of the funding intended for preparedness measures.

The allocation is contained in the city’s 2027 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Investment Plan, which covers 49 programs, projects and activities (PPAs).

Of the total, P131.875 million is earmarked for 35 disaster preparedness PPAs.

The plan also sets aside P12.405 million for eight projects focused on disaster prevention and mitigation, P19.72 million for three response and early recovery programs, and P4 million for two rehabilitation and recovery projects.

Separate allocations of P72 million for the Quick Response Fund (QRF) and P45 million for the Special Trust Fund are also included in the P285-million plan.

The investment plan was approved during the third-quarter meeting of the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on Friday, Sept. 25.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Buddy Alain C. Ybañez presented the proposed allocations during the meeting.

The council also reviewed the third-quarter accomplishment reports of the CDRRMO and the Mandaue City Fire Station, covering their disaster risk reduction and management activities for the quarter.

Atty. Riczen Gingoyon represented Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano during the meeting, while Councilor Eugene Andaya, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on disaster risk reduction and management, also attended.

Representatives of several city departments and national government agencies also participated in the meeting. — (FREEMAN)