Capitol hit for lack of disaster risk plan

By: Gerome Dalipe

AT LEAST P151.35-million in capital outlay was allotted by the Iloilo Provincial Government to enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities “at all levels” in 2018.

It also includes the building of supposedly disaster-resilient communities last year.

But all of these proposals were not materialized.

The culprit?

Lack of preparation for the 2018 Provincial Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Financial and Investment Plan.

In its 2018 annual audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the lack of preparation for the management financial and investment plan resulted in a low rate of mitigation and fund utilization.

Capitol failed to implement the continuing capital outlay totaling P151,359,305.40, and non-programming of the Special Trust Fund totaling P285,319,232.03, state auditors noted.

Such an act limited Capitol’s proposed projects and activities that would help build disaster resilient communities and enhanced disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

In short, the Capitol’s failure to implement disaster resilience programs exposed Ilonggos to destruction of properties, injuries, and even loss of life.

In the report, the auditors recommended to the governor to direct the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to prepare the management financial and investment plan.

This is to ensure that the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund including prior years’ balances are programmed for priority and responsive disaster risk reductions and optimize the management investment plan implementation.

Likewise, the auditors called on Capitol’s P22-million proposed project for Pamana Fund meant to address the armed conflict and promote peace.

The auditors recommended to the governor to direct the provincial planning and development officer to review and evaluate the project proposal.

This is to ensure that these projects respond to the peace and development issues identified to be existing in the conflict-affected areas and is supportive of the objectives of the Pamana Program.