Months after calamities struck, disaster-hit communities in Cebu are still waiting for much-needed aid as the proposed P518.2-million Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Trust Fund remains pending at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The measure, repeatedly endorsed by the executive branch, was intended to fast-track interventions for victims of the recent earthquake and Typhoon Tino, including financial assistance, mobile kitchens, and sea ambulances.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces expressed frustration over the delays, noting that referral to another round of committee review has effectively frozen the fund.
“Supposedly the government should have already responded to the earthquake and Tino since last year. But now, mana nalang ang first quarter, unya all this program nasangit pajud mi because of these delays,” Empaces said.
“You are not delaying the Executive, you are delaying the services that is needed by the people,” he added.
The fund had cleared multiple approval layers, including the DRRM Council and the Provincial Development Council, before reaching the provincial board.
Under Republic Act 10121, disaster trust funds are to be utilized within five years, but Empaces stressed that legislative setbacks are slowing critical aid.
One sticking point involved inclusion of funds dating back to 2020, which some board members questioned due to rules requiring unused trust funds to revert to the general fund after five years. Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III said this prompted referral to the Committee on Laws.
The executive office revised the proposal, removing the 2020 allocation and keeping coverage from 2021 to 2025, retaining the total fund of P518,209,481.14.
However, a new procedural requirement—endorsements must carry the governor’s signature—added further delays.
“The documents were eventually accepted, but it contributed to the delay,” Empaces said, noting the pattern of setbacks dates back to November, when the proposal was first submitted but not discussed.
Martinez confirmed unresolved issues remain, preventing approval.
“Naa may issue gi-raise so dili pa siya ma-approve,” he said.
Empaces warned that continued delays could leave Cebu vulnerable to future disasters.
“Kung di pa gani nila approbahan, madugay pajud mig hatag aning assistance. Naabtan nalang sunod nga linog, naabtan nalang laing krisis,” he said. “Ang pangutana namo, ngano sige man mog delay?”
For now, the trust fund’s fate rests with the Committee on Laws, where discussions are ongoing but no timeline for approval has been set. (SBA)
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