Albay execs appeal to GMA for direct release of funds

03 July 2007

LEGAZPI CITY—LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXECutives here are awaiting the approval of President Macapagal-Arroyo of the request of former Albay Gov. Fernando V. Gonzales to directly distribute the amount of P100 million to the intended local government units that have rehabilitation projects to be implemented.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had informed Gonzales of the approval of the Office of the President of the P100 million calamity fund for the province, chargeable against the Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort fund provided under Republic Act No. 9401 (CY 2007 General Appropriations Act).

Gonzales, however, wrote Ms Arroyo a letter dated June 8, 2007, asking the President to instead release only P30 million to the province for the rehabilitation and restoration of five district and rural hospitals and the balance of P70 million directly to the seven LGUs in the province.

More efficient

This, he said, would ensure faster implementation of the rehabilitation projects as the local government executives know these projects better. That way, he said, the implementation of the projects would be more efficient.

He said it was important to finish the project ahead of time because the rainy days are already here.

If the President approves Gonzales’ request, the P70 million will go to the following: City of Ligao, P20 million, for rehabilitation of damaged flood control and communal irrigation systems; Municipality of Daraga, P15 million, for repair of damaged flood control structures, farm-to-market roads and irrigation systems; Municipality of Guinobatan, P10 million, for rehabilitation of communal irrigation system, flood control structures and farm-to-market roads; Municipality of Camalig, P6 million, for rehabilitation of flood control structures and irrigation systems; Municipality of Sto. Domingo, P6 million, for rehabilitation of flood control structures and farm-to-market roads; Municipality of Jovellar, P3 million, for rehabilitation of flood control structures and farm-to-market roads; and Legazpi City, P10 million, rehabilitation of damaged flood control structures, roads and bridges and communal irrigation systems.

The heads of the concerned LGUs expressed hope that the President will announce her approval of the request during the National Disaster Coordinating Council and Cabinet meeting here on Tuesday. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon