PB realigns P109.9 million disaster fund

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board yesterday passed a resolution authorizing Governor Hilario Davide III to realign the province’s P109.9 million disaster management fund for 2014.

The resolution, sponsored by PB Member Grecilda Sanchez, seeks to reprogram the budget in support of the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery projects of the provincial government due to last year’s earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda.

It also includes the assistance to the local government units in their disaster risk reduction activities.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Neil Angelo Sanchez earlier requested PB Member Sanchez to sponsor a resolution authorizing Davide to realign the fund.

Under the 2014 Annual Budget, the P109.9 million is reserved in conformity with the translation/conversion from the budget proposal as submitted/recommended by PDRRM Council approved Plan to support disaster risk management activities, much as, but not limited to, pre-disaster prevention/mitigation and preparedness programs, post-disaster activities, disaster risk reduction works of other local government units and national government agencies, relief and recovery programs.

“Mas specific ang request sa realignment,” PB Member Sanchez said.

Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas explained that the 2014 budget was prepared and submitted prior to last year’s earthquake and super typhoon which occurred on October 15 and November 8, respectively.

Rodas said that the disaster fund this year was programmed more on preparedness and quick response projects.

However, after the calamities, Rodas said the provincial government is more focused on the rehabilitation which is not programmed when the 2014 budget was prepared.

Rodas explained that only the 70 percent of the P109.9 million will be realigned because the remaining 30 percent is mandatory appropriation for quick response fund.

“The same amount, it is a matter of reprogramming, realignment of activities,” he said.

The approved realigned fund will be added to around P20 million cash donations of the province to various LGUs affected by the two calamities.  (FREEMAN)