CEBU Governor Hilario Davide III has approved the reprogramming of P15.4 million worth of local and international donations to pre-disaster and post-disaster projects in various parts of the Province.
Davide approved the reprogramming during the second quarterly meeting of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council Tuesday, July 31.
Provincial Accountant Ramon Dumayac said that the P15.4 million worth of local and international donations were placed in a trust fund intended for aid for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda five years ago.
Dumayac said they only learned of the funds' purpose only last month when the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sought for an appraisal of their existing calamity funds.
Of the P15.4 million reprogrammed trust fund, P6.5 million will be allocated for the construction of an evacuation center in Barangay Bunacan in Madridejos town, P3 million for the construction of a flood control bridge in Barangay San Isidro, Tabogon town; P3.4 million for solar street lighting for island and upland off-grid barangays affected by Typhoon Yolanda; P1 million for the rehabilitation of water system in Barangay Antipolo, Medellin; and P1.4 million for the acquisition of plastic drums for rainwater catchment.
Dumayac said they sought the use of the P15.4 million in place of the Provincial Government's calamity fund to fund projects for pre-disaster and post-disaster purposes.
He clarified that the said money is not a part of the five percent general fund that could be reverted to surplus fund if not used after five years.
"Ang trust fund man gud, before na muabot sa LGU or NGA, duna na siyay purpose, so specific ang purpose ana ka kung gamiton na sa laing purpose, mahulog man na nga juggling of funds," Dumayac said.
The provincial accountant also said that the money could be used for the acquisition of heavy equipment to help aid LGUs in the province in calamity situations. (Clarenz Jay Mendoza/USJ-R intern)