DAVAO CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) cited the need to rehabilitate government infrastructure damaged by the incremental weather conditions causing floods in the region, says Regional Director Ednar Dayanghirang.
However, to be able to deliver results, Dayanghirang said that such a tall order would require at least P23.7 billion.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, Dayanghirang particularly hinted at 955 programs, projects, and activity proposals they got from affected local government units during the conduct of the “Regional Flooding, Earthquake, and Rain-induced Landslides Dialogue Series Towards Resilient Dabawenyos sa Bagong Pilipinas” on July 10-11, 2024 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Dayanghirang said that the regional rehab plan has already been submitted to the OCD head office for funding support from the National Disaster Fund, which he claimed “is not even enough to address the disaster needs of the entire country.”
By the third quarter of this year, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), which he also chairs, will endorse the PPA proposals to the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI for an endorsement, hoping to secure funds from the national government.
“Hopefully in the years to come, yung pangangailangan na imprastraktura to prevent and mitigate disasters ay malalagyan ng pondo,” he said.
He likewise admitted seeking audiences from congressmen, mayors, and governors to support the collaborative effort to restore and rehabilitate infrastructure deemed crucial in jumpstarting the local economy.
“Ang ginagawa natin para mapabilis ang paghahanap ng pondo, kinakausap natin ang mga congressmen, governors, and mayors na magtulungan para malagyan ng pondo yong 23.7 billion,” added Dayanghirang, in reference to congressional and local funding. (JMDA, PIA XI)
