Kawit, Cavite – The Commission on Audit (COA) has recently unveiled its findings, shining a spotlight on the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kawit, Cavite under the leadership of Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo.

The report underscores a significant underutilization of the Local Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) during Calendar Year (CY) 2021, raising concerns about disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the municipality.

Key Findings:

1. Unexpended Balance: According to the COA report, the LDRRMF allocation for CY 2021 stood at an impressive P22,476,230.88, equivalent to five percent of the total LGU budget. However, disappointingly, only 16 out of 25 Programs/Projects/Activities (PPAs) saw partial implementation, while nine remained untouched. Consequently, an unutilized balance of P10,662,244.88 persists, in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121.
2. RA No. 10121: RA No. 10121, also known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” empowers LGUs to proactively address disasters, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to crises. The failure to fully harness the LDRRMF undermines the very essence of disaster risk reduction.
3. Appropriation Details: The LDRRMF appropriation for Kawit Municipality in CY 2021 was pegged at five percent of the estimated revenue, amounting to a substantial P449,524,617.57. This allocation encompassed 25 PPAs meticulously outlined in the Annual Investment Program (AIP).
4. Reprogramming for COVID-19 Vaccination: Notably, on January 21, 2021, funds earmarked for eight PPAs, totaling P6,400,000.00, were redirected to support the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) vaccination program.
5. Partial Implementation: Records indicate that 16 out of 25 PPAs experienced partial implementation, ç P11,813,986.00 (approximately 52.56 percent) of the total LDRRMF allocation.
6. Unimplemented PPAs: Pertinent documents reveal that nine PPAs, with appropriations totaling P4,483,361.62, languished without implementation or reprogramming. These neglected areas encompass critical aspects of disaster management:

• Disaster Preparedness:
  • Awareness Campaign: An unutilized budget of P100,000.00
  • Uniform Procurement: An untapped allocation of P150,000.00
  • MDRRMO Operation Center: An idle fund of P3,000,000.00
• Disaster and Emergency Response:
  • Clothing and Hygiene Kit: An unused budget of P100,000.00
  • Medicine Procurement: An unspent amount of P700,000.00
  • Biological Hazard Response: An overlooked allocation of P100,000.00
• Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery:
  • Search and Rescue Recovery: An unutilized fund of P133,361.62
  • Rental of Light and Heavy Equipment: Remained at P100.000.00
  • Maintenance of Evacuation Center also at P100.000.00.

COA strongly recommends that the Municipal Mayor take swift action by directing the LDRR Officer to investigate and rectify the issues hindering the implementation of LDRRMF-funded PPAs. By doing so, the municipality can optimize its disaster risk reduction efforts in the years ahead.

COA underscores the critical importance of efficient fund utilization to safeguard communities and bolster disaster resilience. It calls for proactive measures to ensure that goals and objectives are met, even amidst challenging circumstances.