Iloilo allocates PHP 68.47 million for disaster preparedness

ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Provincial Government has allocated PHP 68.47 million in financial assistance to eight municipalities and 21 barangays across the province for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) projects.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the distribution of financial assistance Monday, Nov. 9, during a ceremony at Casa Real de Iloilo.

Of the total amount, PHP 39.57 million was allocated to the eight municipalities for various disaster preparedness and response projects.

These include the purchase of a patient transport vehicle in Igbaras, a fiberglass rescue boat and the construction of a municipal evacuation center in New Lucena, and improvements to an evacuation center in Zarraga.

The funding will also cover response equipment and an early warning system in Calinog; the renovation of an evacuation center and completion of an emergency operations center in San Enrique; and slope protection works and the establishment of a resilience hub or operations center in Balasan.

Meanwhile, PHP 28.9 million was allocated to 21 barangays for the acquisition of emergency response vehicles and rescue boats, as well as the construction of barangay evacuation centers.

Among the projects are evacuation centers in Barangays Igtalongon, Alameda and San Ambrosio in Igbaras.

Other beneficiary barangays in Oton, Alimodian, San Miguel, Zarraga, Passi City, San Enrique, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Estancia and San Rafael will receive assistance for emergency response vehicles and rescue boats.

The financial assistance forms part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to strengthen local disaster response systems, address gaps in emergency equipment and improve facilities used during calamities.

The provincial government said the assistance aims to enhance the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of municipalities and barangays while helping ensure the safety of communities during emergencies and disasters.