THE Cebu Provincial Board yesterday declared a province-wide state of calamity which would allow the Capitol to tap disaster funds to counter the effects of a dry spell on agricultural communities.
With this, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will set guidelines to prioritize areas that may receive financial aid.
Tribunalo said he already has criteria ready for this.
“We should consider the barangays that have declared a state of calamity. Even if the town hasn’t made a municipality-wide declaration, that doesn’t mean we won’t extend help to the barangay.
On the other hand, towns which have made the declaration will be prioritized,” Tribunalo Jr. told reporters.
However, these local government units must give the Province a list of affected families and the magnitude of damage to crops, livestock, and other areas of concern.
So far only eight towns of 46 towns have declared a state of calamity — Argao, Asturias, Tuburan, Tabuelan, Alcantara, Carmen, Borbon, and Moalboal.
Under the law, the provincial government needs at least two component LGUs to declare a state of calamity in their areas to be able to place the whole province under the same state.
The basis for the declaration, among others, is the percentage of crop damage and water level.
Tribunalo earlier said the province would be able to tap its Quick Response Fund (QRF) which is 30 percent of the P121 million disaster funds allocated for 2015.
The amountwill be used to provide farmers and residents in affected areas with food, school supplies, and water.
At present, more or less P30 million is left in the province’s QRF fund.
Tribunalo said P5 million was already spent to respond to typhoon Seniang last year.
The resolution for the declaration was authored by PB Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III of the 4th district.
It was unopposed during the session.
Meanwhile, PB Member Thadeo Ouano introduced a resolution requesting all agriculture and veterinary offices of component LGUs to submit a report to their provincial counterparts and the PB on the status of agricultural crops and livestock in relation to the dry spell.