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
49