SP approves P473M for Cebu's recovery efforts

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved the utilization of P473.58 million in disaster funds to support recovery efforts for Cebu following the twin disasters that struck the province in 2025.

- Jonnavie Villa with Sandara Laurente and Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Interns/MRM

The approval came during the regular session yesterday, April 13, based on Committee Report No. 139, Series of 2026, endorsed by the Committee on Laws chaired by Board Member Nelson Mondigo.

The measure supports the request of Governor Pamela Baricuatro to implement the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Investment Plan (LDRRMIP), covering unexpended funds from 2021 to 2024.

The amount was originally pegged at P542.3 million but was later reduced after the exclusion of the 2020 funds, which were deemed no longer valid under existing law.

The Committee on Laws emphasized that the removal of the 2020 allocation was in compliance with Republic Act 10121, which mandates that disaster funds must be utilized within five years.

Any unspent amount beyond that period automatically reverts to the general fund.

“The exclusion of FY 2020 funds in the revised submission indicates recognition of the statutory limitation,” the committee report stated.

This brought the final approved amount down to P473,582,709.15, covering only fiscal years 2021 to 2024.