• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya assured the public that all expenditures made by the city government following the declaration of a State of Calamity will be transparent.
During a press briefing, the mayor said any funds the city spends will be directed toward the needs of the affected residents.
The declaration of a State of Calamity allows the city government to access the 30 percent Quick Response Fund portion of the 5 percent calamity funds for both barangays and the local government.
It can also access its Trust Fund, all to accelerate relief and recovery efforts.
Gasataya stressed that a primary reason for the State of Calamity declaration was to enable residents to recover amid the crisis brought about by the typhoon.
The mayor’s guarantee comes as the city prepares to spend its calamity funds to address the crisis and widespread damage left by Typhoon Tino.*
