THE City Government of San Fernando has allocated some P82.1 million for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) which is equivalent to five percent of the city’s estimated revenue this year.

As prescribed by Section 21 of Republic Act 10121, the local DRRM council ensures that 70 percent of the said amount shall be allocated for programs and projects intended for prevention and mitigation while the remaining 30 percent will serve as Quick Response Fund (QRF) for relief and recovery programs during calamities.

Raymond Del Rosario, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRRMO) officer, said the 70 percent amounting to P57.4 million is already being utilized for the four thematic areas of DRRM namely prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery and rehabilitation.

“The council is now implementing 21 projects, programs and activities or PPA's. These include flood mitigation programs, central evacuation facility programs, provision of medicines and vaccines for common illnesses during calamities or disasters, emergency shelter program and prepositioning of goods, among others,” he said.

Del Rosario added that the funds are also utilized for acquiring mobile response vehicles and emergency and life-saving equipment.

To date, the city government has several ambulances, a total of 400 units medical equipment, 292 units collapsed structure search and rescue equipment, 291 units water rescue equipment, 189 units rope rescue equipment, 111 units extrication equipment, 68 units communication devices and 12 units response vehicles and boats.

Considerable appropriations are also provided for various trainings of the CDRRM council members and CDRRM office personnel to further strengthen capacity building.

Meanwhile, the 30 percent or P24.6 million quick response fund serves as a back-up and may only be used once the city is placed under a state of calamity. (PR)