The declaration was
based on a proposed PDRRMC Resolution No. 01, s2011 which recommended
for its declaration after conducting a three day deliberation and
on-site assessments of the extent of damages in flooded areas.
It has placed the
entire province under a state of calamity with estimated damages
amounting to 38.8 million in agriculture and 76 million in
infrastructure.
The persistent rains
that started since January 3 resulted in flashfloods and landslides
that affected 152 barangays consisting of 12,384 families and 59,143
persons. The PDRRMC reported destruction of bridges, roads, houses and
potable water sources. This was vividly shown in a power point
presentation at the session hall to convince the SP members of the
extent of the damages.
In the same venue, the
attendance of Ms. Luz Tacal of the Provincial social Welfare
Development Office; Ms. Anita Taran of the Office of the Provincial
Agriculture and PNP Provincial Director, Col. Tomasito Clet were
requested to thresh out in detail the urgency of the declaration and
risk reduction and management plans that have to be implemented.
In its deliberations,
both Taran and Tacal were not ready and specific in their assessments
and contingency measures. They failed to accurately answer the
questions raised by council members of the 1st district as to the
exact amount necessary to assist flood victims and the various
programs and activities required in the rehabilitation of the reported
damages in agriculture and infrastructure in the province.
It was observed that
reports coming from the municipalities were not complete and unsigned
by the mayors. It was expected that these reports were also indorsed
by the MDRRMCs convened by the respective municipalities.
Other board members
did not fail to express their apprehensions in approving the
resolution considering the expected release of a huge amount which
comprises the 5% calamity funds of the province, estimated at 40
million pesos. Once the declaration is in place, the legislative body
will no longer have control over its disbursements.
It was PNP Director
Clet’s statement of alarm over the unpreparedness of the province in
these calamities that has laid premise for its approval. Candidly,
Clet said that “this is the first time that I have learned that there
are funds reserved for this purpose, yet the province has no
preparations to address these calamities especially on its preventive
side. Let’s equip the PDRRMC with capability trainings and purchase of
rescue facilities such as flashlights, batteries, raincoats, life
boats and other rescue needs”. He further states that his attendance
to the PDRRMC was the first time since his assignment in Samar.
According to him, his sponsorship of the resolution was a result of
the realistic assessments that were submitted to him by police
officers in the PNP.
The Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, formerly known as the
Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, is supposedly to be convened
quarterly. However, the provincial government has always been
criticized for being non-functional in the past years.
“With the declaration
approved by the council, we have no option left but to monitor that
calamity funds are disbursed wisely and efficiently. I am hoping that
the present administration will be reminded of the controversy that
former Gov. Mila Tan has experienced, where graft cases were filed
because of abuse of people’s money. I consider the appropriateness of
the declaration as it will be helping the Samarnons, but I’m appealing
to the present administration that they conscientiously and
effectively consider the plight of their constituents. I also
encourage every Samarnon to be more vigilant and help in the
monitoring of related activities to ensure that public funds are not
wasted and used for the interest and welfare of every Samarnon”, a
MATA-Samar member whose anonymity is requested, elaborates.
