The Dumaguete City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, approved various programs, projects and activities (PPAs) for next year, and a supplemental budget of P92.6 million.
The Council allocated substantial funds in accordance with the proposals of the City Engineer’s Office, Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Health Office, City Veterinarian’s Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and CDRRMO for PPAS on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and early recovery, and rehabilitation and recovery, based on the approved Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan that aims to promote public safety.
Around P22 million was earmarked as Quick Response Fund (QRF), which is 30 percent of the 5-percent Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) for 2026.
This will be set aside as standby-fund for people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, the city said.
Meanwhile, the unexpended LDRRMF from the 2020-2023 trust fund, totaling P92.6 million, was allocated for the different programs and projects in Dumaguete.
These include the construction of a seawall for shoreline protection in Barangay Calindagan; purchase of generator sets and rescue vehicle; rehabilitation of flood control structures along Banica River and creeks in Cadawinonan, the Bagacay Creek, and other areas; and rehabilitation and improvement of seawall and damaged existing road shoulders along Piapi-Bantayan Road junction E.J. Blanco Road going north.
Remollo and Councilor Rey Lyndon Lawas said they are optimistic that these priority projects will continue to make Dumaguete City safer and resilient against climate change or man-made disaster.
The proposed budget allocations will be submitted to the City Development Council and Sangguniang Panlungsod for appropriate actions. ||
