BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
The Technical Secretariat of the Regional Development Council in Western Visayas recently identified eight local government units in the region that will receive P1.3 million in assistance in their fight against the coronavirus disease.
The localities are the cities of Sagay and Himamaylan in Negros Occidental, Kalibo in Aklan, Alimodian and Lambunao in Iloilo, Pandan in Antique, Tapaz in Capiz, and Jordan in Guimaras.
Ro-Ann Bacal, director of the National Economic and Development Authority in Region 6, said the LGUs were identified as recipients of its regional share under Energy Regulation 1-94 of the DOE, which rationalizes the utilization of this fund to respond to the Covid-19 public health emergency.
The share of the region was around P10 million, she said, adding that the funds were already downloaded to DOE from the generating companies and independent power plants located in the region, which was categorized as Electrification Fund, Development and Livelihood Fund and Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health, and Environment Enhancement Fund.
The eight non-host LGU-recipients were selected based on the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases, as of August 2, provided by the Department of Health, the magnitude of the population at risk, and the presence of district, provincial, or municipal hospital located along the national road for easy access, she explained.
She said the fund was divided equally among the eight LGUs at P1.3 million, which will be used to enhance the capability of the hospitals in their respective areas in terms of medical supplies and equipment.
Bacal had a virtual meeting with the mayors and their representatives last week to inform them about the financial support.
Among the equipment and supplies proposed to be procured by the LGUs are respiratory ventilators, hospital beds, emergency tents, and suction machines, she added.*
