VP Sara bats for higher disaster mitigation budget

Vice President Sara Duterte said that the government must allocate a “bigger budget” for disaster risk reduction and response amid the heavy rains and flooding in Cebu province.

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

Speaking to reporters in The Hague on Friday, July 18, the official underscored the need for a swift and effective response to the areas in the Philippines most prone to disasters.

“The Philippines is disaster prone. So, we need a bigger budget for disaster risk reduction and mitigation, preparedness and response,” she said.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP), in fact, has its own Disaster Operations Center (DOC), even in its satellite offices in the provinces.

“There are personnel focused solely on emergencies and calamities and are also devolved to our various satellite offices in different provinces for a swift response,” she added.

Duterte, however, lamented that they could not reach as many calamity victims as they would want because of their limited budget, and has advised private individuals who want to help to course through their donations to the local government units and local disaster councils.

The Vice President also advised Filipinos to be prepared against disasters and calamities, and to monitor weather and flood advisories since some areas in the country