Council approves use of P57.2 million for disaster equipment

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office is now authorized to utilize the P57.2 million for the procurement of various emergency tools and medical accessories.

The City Council has approved the resolution seeking approval for the charging of funds against the capital outlay (disaster response and rescue equipment) account which is sponsored by Councilor David Tumulak.

Last Tuesday, during the regular session, Tumulak, who sits as the chairman of public order and safety, presented the resolution to the council.

He said the purpose of the procurement of emergency tools and others, is to enhance the emergency services and public assistance during or after any disaster.

"WHEREAS, in order to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities, the need to procure early warning systems, preparedness equipment and other tools for natural and manmade calamities is necessary as per CCDRRMO Board Resolution No 05-2019," a portion of the resolution reads.

Before Tumulak decided to sponsor a resolution, the planning head of CCDRRMO, Veronica Morelos has requested him about the matter through a CCDRRMO resolution.

In the CCDRRMO resolution, it provides that the buying of emergency tools and medical accessories is pursuant to the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 of National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Department of Budget and Management and Department of Interior and Local Government that the allocation of disaster funds is intended for the purchase of early warning systems and preparedness equipment.

The items that are included are one unit of brand new rescue vehicle with equipment worth P12 million; two units of Hi-Ace ambulance with complete equipment and accessories for P7 million; 40 pieces of Siamese wye connection worth P1.2 million; 40 pieces of fire hose hozzle worth P3 million; 110 pieces of fire hose1.5 inch which cost P660,000; and 70 pieces of fire hose 2.5 inch worth P665,000.

Others are three units of digital bundy clock for P45,000; one unit of laptop with licensed OS, office suite and antivirus for P75,000; two units of desktop PC with licensed OS for P200,000; one unit digital projector with wall projector white screen and tripod for P100,000; two sets of sound system with two microphones, two speaker boxes for P150,000; and three lots UHF/ FM Digital Repeater System for P1.6 million.

Also in the list are 25 units UHF digital portable radio with extra battery for P375,000; five units of cardiac monitor with defibrillator for P2.5 million; five pieces of ambulance stretcher for P1.7 million; two units of water tanker for P13 million; one unit firefighting truck for P10 million; 50 units of collapsible tents for P1.5 million; and 150 pieces of modular evacuation tents with compress sleeping pad for P1.4 million.

In an interview, Tumulak said the hoses will be given to the barangays for their community-based disaster team.

It would aid them in responding to fire cases immediately.

Tumulak said the procurement of these tools is not covered by the election ban since it will be purchased after the election.

"Kini siya, mahuman ang election ani, dili pa ni ma-procure kay naa man ta'y procedure nga subayon. I- PR (purchase request) pani, pre-bidding, bidding, taod-taod pa gyud ni, after election," he said. (These will only be purchased after elections because we have a long process to follow like purchase request, pre-bidding, bidding.  This will take time.)  — MBG (FREEMAN)