P5.58 billion aid available for calamity-hit LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) devastated by recent calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes may avail themselves of the P5.58-billion financial assistance to fund their recovery programs, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos yesterday said the local government support fund-financial assistance (LGSF-FA) is open for applications until Sept. 30.

“Calamities and disasters are realities that we are accustomed to. The government continues to find ways to assist disaster-stricken LGUs through the LGSF-FA,” Abalos said.

“We recognize that our LGUs need our help, which is why we urge them to take advantage of the financial assistance LGSF-FA has to offer,” he added.

Abalos cited LGUs affected by the recent Severe Tropical Storm Florita and of the magnitude-7 earthquake that jolted areas in Northern Luzon in July.

He reminded the mayors that applications submitted after the deadline would not be accommodated.

The applications should be attached with supporting documents such as a certificate showing an LGU had previously returned to the national treasury its unspent LGSF-FA.

The fund was initially intended for infrastructure and repair programs of LGUs, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“But with the DBM’s amendment of its Local Budget Circular 142, the fund was made available to disaster-affected LGUs,” Abalos said.

The circular sets the maximum amount that can be availed of by each LGU: P5 million for barangays, P10 million for municipalities, P20 million for cities and P30 million for provinces.

Abalos said the limits set by the circular would not be applied to calamity-hit LGUs. He said the DILG would base the allocation on the amount of damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

“We call on our mayors and governors to focus the allocation and utilization of the LGSF-FA on rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding programs in order to lead their localities to sustainable recovery,” Abalos said.