The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in its regular session held October 16, 2013 approved Resolution No. 232 authorizing the mayor to enter into rice loan with National Food Authority (NFA). This allows the city to purchase rice on credit exclusively for three purposes : 1) relief operations when in state of calamity; 2) buffer stockpiling; and 3) rehabilitation project. The move is part of the disaster and relief operation plan of the city government in responding to calamity.
In the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Bogo may purchase as much as 2,000 bags of rice or up to the amount appropriated for the purpose whichever is lower. Earlier in March this year the city government opened a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF). The trust fund account is disbursed only for predisaster, on-disaster and post-disaster purposes.
The rice loan facility wisely eliminates administrative bureaucracy of preparing purchase documents in the midst of emergency. Thus, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Council and the city government stay focused on the crisis situation. Other matters incidental to disaster and relief operations such as administrative processes are attended to after emergency situation has settled.
The NFA had been a partner with the City of Bogo in its disaster preparednessprogram since 2005 when the first MOA was signed. It is renewed year after year.
source: Cityofbogocebu.gov.ph
