DSWD clarification

This refers to the news story entitled, “P193.6-M donations for typhoon victims sleeping in bank” written by Mr. Michael Punongbayan, and published in your newspaper today (Dec. 29). The news story stated that “The DSWD has more than P193.6 million in donated funds which can be used to help the victims of typhoon ‘Sendong’ in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.”

We would like to clarify the following:

The P193.6 donation fund was the original amount during the time of audit but its net amount is now P177.8 million. The Commission on Audit advised the DSWD to deposit the net amount of P177.8 million with the National Treasury. Likewise, COA advised the DSWD to request the Department of Budget and Management for a special budget to enable DSWD to disburse the funds.

 As of December 29, cash donations for ‘Sendong’ victims amount to $151,591 (international donations) and P39.3 million (local donations) including P7.8 million balances from donations to victims of recent typhoons.

On the current donations to victims of typhoon ‘Sendong’, the Commission on Audit said that DSWD could spend the funds without special budget request from the Department of Budget and Management if disbursed within a year due to exigency.

The amount of P177.8 million will be used for the early recovery and rehabilitation of victims of disasters, such as purchase of delivery (wing) vans, mobile kitchens for regions prone to disasters, ready-to-eat food (RTEF), construction of seven units of pilot evacuation centers, 14 units of delivery trucks for disaster operations, and construction of pilot warehouse.

We assure you that all local and international donations will go to the intended beneficiaries - victims of natural and man-made disasters and calamities.

We hope this clarification finds space in your newspaper.

Thank you.