DRRMC Stresses Salient Features of RA 10121

by Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique , Mar 2 (PIA) - The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council of the Province of Antique discussed the salient features of Republic Act 10121
or An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
System in a meeting held this morning at Binirayn Hills, this town.

Irma Villanueva of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 emphasized that under
the new law Calamity Fund shall be known as Local Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (LDRRMF) which is not less than 5% of the estimated revenue from
regular sources of the local government units can be set aside to support disaster risk
management activities but not limited to pre-disaster preparedness programs.

The source further stated that 70% of the fund can be used for training, purchasing life-
saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post disaster activities, for the
payment of premiums on calamity insurance and construction of evacuation centers.

The local government units should have a reserve fund of 30% for quick response in
times of calamites, Villanueva explained. It can be used as a stand-by fund for relief and
recovery programs in order that the situation and living conditions of people in
communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics or complex
emergencies may be normalized as quickly as possible.

Villanueva clarified that the LDRRMF cannot be used for bonuses of employees of the
LGUs towards the end of the year instead unexpended LDRRMF shall accrue to a special
trust fund solely for the purpose of supporting disaster risk reduction and management
activities of the council for the next five years.

Any such amount still not fully utilized after five years, Villanueva said shall revert back
to the general fund and made available for other social services to be identified by the
local Sanggunian.

On the issue of its inclusion to the local Annual Invest Program for CY 2011, since the
budget were already approved, the Provincial Planning and Development Office
suggested to pass a supplemental AIP to include the programs of LDRRMC.

The Municipal representatives who are mostly deputized Civil Defense Officers and
Mayor Juanita dela Cruz of Sebaste expressed their support to the new law which they
hope will provide more autonomy to the LGUs.

Broderick Train, Executive Officer , PDRRMC also discussed the structure of the council
both at the provincial and municipal levels. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique)