Cebu City is checking whether it has enough funds, equipment and personnel to deliver emergency water supplies to communities as it prepares for possible El Niño-related shortages.
Councilor Harold Kendrick Go has filed a proposed resolution directing the city government to assess its available disaster preparedness funds and emergency resources, identify gaps and determine what additional support may be needed.
The measure asks the City Accounting Office and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) to account for existing resources, including funds already committed to other obligations, before emergency operations become necessary.
The proposed inventory covers water tankers, storage tanks, generators, water purification equipment and other emergency supplies that could support water distribution and response efforts.
The assessment would also identify shortages in equipment, personnel and logistical support that could hamper the city’s ability to bring water to affected communities.
For its financial review, the two offices would report the available balances of relevant disaster preparedness and response funds, existing obligations and the purposes for which these funds may legally be used. They would also identify existing appropriations and other potential funding sources for El Niño preparations.
Go’s proposal further calls for an itemized preparedness and response budget detailing each planned activity, its estimated cost, possible funding source and responsible implementing office.
The assessment would also identify activities that may need inclusion in investment and procurement plans or a supplemental budget.
The consolidated findings would help the City Council determine whether Cebu City needs additional equipment, personnel or funding for emergency water distribution.
The resolution, however, does not authorize the automatic release of funds or procurement of equipment. Any expenditure would remain subject to existing budgetary, accounting, auditing and procurement requirements.
Go wants the City Accounting Office and CCDRRMO to submit an initial consolidated report to the Sangguniang Panlungsod within 15 calendar days of receiving the resolution.
The report should detail available resources, identified deficiencies and proposed preparedness measures. The offices would also provide succeeding updates on fund utilization and implementation.
The proposal cites Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, as its legal basis for strengthening the city’s financial and operational preparations for possible emergencies.
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