The local government of Cagayan claimed that the disaster response of the province is not deficient amid the reported underspending of its calamity funds.
A report released by the Commission on Audit (COA) on the expenses of the provincial government in 2019 revealed that the province does not have the equipment required under minimum standards for disaster preparedness. A large portion of the local disaster risk reduction and management fund amounting to more than ₱57 million was not utilized as of the latter part of 2019.
The local government countered that its preparedness can be reflected on its casualty count which is fewer than the death toll of other provinces that did not experience flooding similar to Cagayan Valley.
It added that spending should be analyzed carefully, considering that there is a COVID-19 pandemic where cases could spike anytime.
“I am challenging COA kung ano ‘yung mga kasalanan ko o ninakaw ko sa bayan kasi it’s so unfair. Politika lang ito. ‘Di ko alam kung sino ang nagbigay sa kanila riyan (I am challenging COA [to show] my mistakes or what I stole from the people because it’s so unfair… This is politicking. I do not know who gave them that),” Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba stated.
Meanwhile, the government of Alcala assured that it is continuously coordinating with concerned agencies to provide assistance to residents affected by floods. The assistance will also cover farmers whose crops sustained millions-worth of damages. It was previously reported that 24 of the 25 barangays in the municipality were flooded, including seven that were totally submerged. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
