The Regional Development Council (RDC) –VI, through its Technical Secretariat, recently identified eight (8) non-host LGUs as recipients of its regional share under Energy Regulation 1-94, commonly known as ER 1-94, of the Department of Energy. DOE’s Department Circular No. DC2020-04-0008 rationalizes the utilization of this fund to respond to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The regional share of Western Visayas from ER 1-94 funds is approximately PHP10million. This has been downloaded to DOE from the generating companies/independent power plants located in the region, categorized as Electrification Fund, Development and Livelihood Fund and Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and/or Environment Enhancement Fund.
The eight non-host LGU-recipients are as follows:
- Kalibo, Aklan
- Pandan, Antique
- Tapaz, Capiz
- Jordan, Guimaras
- Alimodian, Iloilo
- Lambunao, Iloilo
- Sagay City, Negros Occidental
- Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
These recipients were selected based on the following criteria: number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (as of August 2, 2020) provided by the Department of Health; magnitude of population at risk; and the presence of district, provincial, or municipal hospital located along the national road for easy access. The regional share will be divided equally among the LGUs at PhP1.3 million each which they will use to enhance the capability of the hospitals in their respective areas in terms of medical supplies/equipment.
NEDA-VI Regional Director and RDC-VI Vice Chairperson Ro-Ann A. Bacal met with the Local Chief Executives and representatives via zoom on August 13, 2020. The purpose was to inform them of their selection as recipients of financial support for COVID-19 from the regional share of ER 1-94, the basis of their selection, and the requirements needed for the transfer of funds from the DOE to the LGU beneficiaries.
The meeting was enthusiastically attended by Mayors Emerson S. Lachica of Kalibo, Plaridel E. Sanchez VI of Pandan, Roberto Palomar of Tapaz, Rogelio Raymund Tongson, Jr. of Himamaylan City, Reynor Gonzales and Vice Mayor Arvin Losaria of Lambunao, along with their city/municipal health officers, planning officers, budget officers, hospital directors, and Sanggunian members in charge of budget appropriations.
Among the proposed equipment/supplies proposed to be procured by the LGUs are respiratory ventilators, hospital beds, emergency tents and suction machines.
The presence of the representatives from the Department of Energy, Engr. Rey D. Maleza and Engr. Gerardo B. Canto, Jr., helped in clarifying issues and concerns raised by the concerned LGUs. (NEDA6/PMED/Ma. Leah Letrero)
