Friday, September 21, 2007 DILG: Calamity funds can be used to prepare for calamities By Carlo P. Mallo
CONTRARY to the notion that the calamity funds of the local governments can only be used after calamities have struck, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the calamity funds may also be used to prepare for calamities.
DILG Undersecretary Melchor Rosales on Thursday said there were already Memorandum Circulars issued to the local governments allowing them to use their calamity funds in preparation of calamities.
The same has been enunciated by Director Ronald Flores, Civil Defense Executive Officer.
However, on a contradicting note, DILG-Southern Mindanao Director Rodolfo Razul said the present rules on the calamity funds of the local government units is that it can only be used during calamities.
Further, he added that no amendment has been done on the rules. "It's still being worked upon," Razul said.
Razul also said most local government units are clamoring for the revision of the present policies on the use of the calamity fund.
He said it would be a welcome move if the calamity fund could be used not only to respond to the damages caused by calamities but also to avert them.
The DILG, together with the National Disaster Coordinating Council, held their National Forum on Disaster Management for Local Chief Executives-Mindanao cluster in the city starting Thursday and will end Friday.
