KAWIT, Cavite – The local government of Kawit failed to implement P5.05 million worth of disaster risk reduction and management programs in 2023, violating national law and potentially putting residents at risk, according to a report from the Commission on Audit (COA).

The audit found that 12 out of 44 planned programs under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) were not carried out, despite the municipality allocating P41.32 million for disaster preparedness from its P826.47 million annual budget.

These unimplemented projects included climate adaptation campaigns, emergency response, and disaster rehabilitation efforts, the report stated.

COA cited non-compliance with Section 21 of Republic Act 10121, which mandates local governments to allocate at least 5% of their revenue for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

Among the stalled initiatives were mangrove planting and river cleanups (P60,000), the construction of an operations center (P4 million), search and rescue programs (P100,000), and post-disaster rehabilitation projects (P701,622.62). None of the funds were utilized, the report noted.

The findings raise concerns about governance in Kawit, where allegations of financial mismanagement and questionable fund utilization have persisted for years.

Under the leadership of Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo, the municipality has faced scrutiny over unimplemented projects and potential misuse of public funds, fueling suspicions of deep-seated corruption.

COA warned that the failure to execute these disaster programs “affected the intent of achieving the desired goals and objectives of reducing disaster risk and enhancing disaster preparedness and response.”

As natural disasters continue to threaten communities, watchdog groups and residents are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of Kawit’s public funds.