Meta PixelAnnual Audit Report 2024 — Municipality of Bacong — Page 58

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     Negros Oriental declaring the province under a state of calamity due to the adverse
     effects of the El Niño Phenomenon. The details of the appropriations and utilization
     are presented in the table below:

                          Year                           Appropriations       Utilization
 CY 2024 Appropriations
   30% Quick Response Fund (QRF) ₱ 3,075,000.00
   70% Mitigation Fund (MF)             7,175,000.00      ₱ 10,250,000.00                    -
 Continuing Appropriations                                  23,396,879.17                    -
 Special Trust Fund
   CY 2023         ₱ 3,016,727.10
   CY 2022           7,291,561.00
   CY 2021           6,790,521.04
   CY 2020           1,103,935.00
   CY 2019           2,203,810.73                           20,406,554.87   ₱ 7,143,860.00
 Totals                                                   ₱ 54,053,434.04 ₱ 7,143,860.00
 Total Available Appropriations excluding 30% QRF                 ₱ 50,978,434.04
 Percentage of Utilization                                            14.01%

9.6. This shows that a substantial amount of the LDRRMF remained unutilized at the
     end of the year. Delays in the implementation of the planned LDRRM PPAs may
     hinder timely disaster response efforts and extend the recovery period for affected
     communities during calamities.

9.7. It is important to note that Section 3 of RA No. 10121 allows the LDDRMF
     utilization for disaster preparedness and prevention activities, including, among
     others, the construction of dams or embankments that mitigate flood risks, as well
     as the conduct of training aimed at building the capacities needed to respond to
     disasters.

9.8. In this context, NDRRMC-DBM-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1
     emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to fully prevent potential adverse
     impacts through actions taken in advance, including structural interventions like
     flood control projects.

9.9. Given the above, the low utilization rate of only 14.01% of the available LDRRMF
     in CY 2024 indicates that the Municipality did not maximize the fund’s intended
     purpose of strengthening disaster preparedness, prevention, and mitigation efforts.
     This underutilization, despite the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to
     the El Niño Phenomenon, suggests missed opportunities to implement timely and
     proactive measures that could have reduced risks, enhanced community resilience,
     and supported faster recovery.

9.10. We recommended that Management maximize the utilization of the LDRRMF
      by promptly implementing the planned programs, projects, and activities
      aimed at eliminating flood risks, reducing the adverse impacts of hazards and
      calamities, and enhancing the capacity of the LGU, communities, and

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