PDRRMO Chief discusses provincial funds during disasters and calamities

by Thiago Santos June 10, 2021 PDRRMO Chief, Joselito Castro BA...

by Thiago Santos
June 10, 2021

PDRRMO Chief, Joselito Castro

BATANGAS CITY - With the return of the rainy season and the ongoing threat of an active Taal Volcano, Joselito Castro, department head of the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, emphasized the importance of family preparedness, or the readiness of every Batangueno family in dealing with potential disasters.

He emphasized this in his interview with B’yaheng Kapitolyo, the official radio program of the Provincial Government of Batangas, on June 3, 2021.



He said it is important, particularly in areas where there are frequent threats of floods, landslides, and the need to evacuate, that first aid kits and basic necessities, such as clothing and food for urgency and action, be ready if needed.

He added that even fishermen should be alert to the correct weather because they should not go to sea when there is a storm and bad sea conditions.



The PDRRMO chief also discussed in the said interview the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) fund, in accordance with Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which is at 5% of the annual fund of the provincial government.

Mr. Castro explained that 70% of it is used for projects related to preparedness, prevention, and mitigation, including the purchase of equipment, rescue vehicles, storage of food and other possible needs, and construction of infrastructure. available in disaster response.



He also said there is a Quick Response Fund or 30% of the LDRRM fund that can only be used in the province is under the State of Calamity.

For the year 2021, the provincial government has an allocated ₱ 206 Million LDRRM fund, which is spent in accordance with the joint plan and decision of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's review.

Finally, Mr. Castro explained that the spending of the said fund is in accordance with the agreed plans and priorities to meet the needs of the neediest countrymen during disasters, in accordance with the stipulation of the law.