COA Asks 2 Yolanda-hit North Cebu Towns to Speed up Rehab Efforts

(PNA) — The Commission on Audit (COA) has asked Bantayan and Santa Fe towns in northern Cebu to speed up their rehabilitation projects for areas damaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

COA, in its 2013 audit report, noted the slow utilization of donations and assistance received by the two towns, which were among localities in northern Cebu that were severely hit by the typhoon.

COA said in Bantayan, verification on the list of donations and cash assistance showed the town received a total of P12,529,656.64 as of March 23, 2014 for typhoon Yolanda victims.

However, COA said only P4,140,850 or 33.05 percent was utilized as of February 25, 2014.

Bantayan Mayor Ian Christopher Escario said the P3 million is reserved for the purchase of lots to serve as relocation sites for typhoon victims.

But they encountered difficulty in complying with the requirements of the Cebu Provincial Committee for lot appraisal and certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that the properties are within the alienable and disposable area.

He said some P2.9 million is also allocated for the acquisition of corrugated sheets for repair of damaged houses.

He said the P5,287,500 allocated for cash for work were already fully disbursed.

Santa Fe town received a total amount of P3,805,000 in donations and financial assistance as of January 24, 2014 for typhoon Yolanda victims.

However, COA said only P1,490,307 or 39.16 percent has been utilized as of February 28, 2014.

Town officials said the approval by the council was required for the usage of the financial assistance. (PNA) CTB/EB