BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Guimaras Provincial Government for how it utilized disaster funds amounting to P3.458 million on catering services, questioning the appropriateness of these expenditures for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives.
In its annual report, COA found the provincial government spent P2.506 million on food and accommodations for five training sessions and a Rescue Olympics.
Events catered to 60 participants, costing P1,800 per person daily over three to five days.
COA said supporting documents, including office orders and certificates of attendance, were missing, casting doubt on the validity of these expenses.
Meals for seven PDRRMC meetings cost P168,000. Attendance sheets listed 60 participants, but meeting minutes reflected fewer attendees.
Lunch and snacks amounting to P460,000 were provided for personnel and responders on standby during tourism events and bloodletting activities, which COA deemed unrelated to DRRM objectives.
COA noted that some P324,000 was spent on meals for a contingency planning workshop on African Swine Fever and Bird Flu organized with the Provincial Veterinary Services Office.
COA clarified that the activity is not disaster-related, making it an unauthorized charge to the DRRMF.
Additional P952,000
Funds were also spent on other unrelated activities, such as tourism events and bloodletting campaigns, further reducing the availability of resources for disaster preparedness and response, according to state auditors.
COA cited violations of COA Circulars 2012-002 and 2012-001, which outline the appropriate utilization of disaster funds.
These regulations ensure that funds are exclusively allocated for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, promoting transparency and proper accounting.
The disbursements compromised the fund’s primary purpose of addressing disaster-related needs, leaving the province vulnerable to potential emergencies, according to COA.
Recommendations
COA directed the Guimaras Provincial Government to cease from using disaster funds for catering services and other activities unrelated to disaster management.
The auditors also asked the Capitol to exclude non-disaster-related programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) from the Local Risk Reduction and Management Plan.
The auditors said the General Services Office (GSO) must also ensure that the Inspectorate Team verifies food quality, accommodations, and facilities.
Inspection and Acceptance Reports should include detailed menus and facility assessments.
COA said the PDRRMO must submit a detailed project/activity design for each PPA funded by the DRRMF.
Failure to justify P952,000 in catering expenses may lead to demands for refunds.
In addition, COA said the provincial government shall maximize DRRMF resources for disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness and ensure funds are available to address potential disasters effectively./PN
