Cebu City is being urged to account for its available funds, equipment and personnel to ensure it can deliver emergency water supplies to communities if El Niño causes shortages.
Councilor Harold Kendrick Go has filed a proposed resolution directing the City Accounting Office and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) to assess the city’s preparedness resources and identify gaps that could hamper emergency operations.
The proposed inventory would cover water tankers, storage tanks, generators, water purification equipment and other supplies needed for water distribution and disaster response.
The two offices would also determine whether the city has enough personnel and logistical support to deliver water to affected communities.
Go’s measure likewise calls for an accounting of available balances in relevant disaster preparedness and response funds, existing financial obligations and the purposes for which these funds may legally be used.
The assessment would identify existing appropriations and other potential funding sources for El Niño preparations.
Beyond taking stock of current resources, the resolution seeks an itemized preparedness and response budget detailing proposed activities, estimated costs, possible funding sources and the offices responsible for implementation.
It also calls for the identification of activities that may need inclusion in the city’s investment and procurement plans or a supplemental budget.
The findings would help the Sangguniang Panlungsod determine whether the city needs additional equipment, personnel or funding to support emergency water distribution.
The proposal, however, does not automatically authorize the release of funds or procurement of equipment. Any expenditure would remain subject to existing budgetary, accounting, auditing and procurement rules.
Go is asking the City Accounting Office and CCDRRMO to submit an initial consolidated report to the City Council within 15 calendar days of receiving the resolution.
The report should detail available resources, identified deficiencies and recommended preparedness measures. The offices would also provide subsequent updates on fund utilization and implementation.
The proposed measure is anchored on Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which provides the framework for strengthening disaster preparedness and response.
📷 Media courtesy of Sangguniang Panlungsod Cebu City - Secretariat
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