P15-B rehab fund for Panay eyed
Government agencies are eyeing a P15-billion rehabilitation fund for areas on Panay Island ravaged by typhoon "Frank."
Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias, said the fund would be sourced from a special allocation from Congress similar to around P800 million fund allocated for response and rehabilitation related to the Petron oil spill in Guimaras.
Banias who was designated by President Macapagal-Arroyo to head the Task Force Bangon Panay, said rehabilitation could take at least two years because of the extent and damage inflicted by the strong winds and massive flooding especially in Iloilo and Aklan provinces.
"It will take a long time. Damage to infrastructure alone includes 26 bridges in Panay," Banias said in an interview.
He said the amount could still swell depending on the consolidated damage reports that will be submitted by agencies and local government units.
Banias said that upon instruction of the President, line agencies and departments have already released funds for emergency response and repair.
Several congressmen in Panay have also vowed to push for special legislation to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of Panay when Congress resumes its sessions.
To hasten the release of funds and the implementation of programs, bidding and fund release procedures could be "relaxed" while maintaining transparency and accountability, he said.
"It can also be an opportunity to misuse funds so there should be proper checks and balances," said Banias.
The rehabilitation efforts will be directed by the Task Force Bangon Panay which will be composed of various agencies and stakeholders.
Banias said the details of the task force and the rehabilitation programs will be finalized after the President signs the executive order creating the task force.
But he said the task force could be patterned similar to the body created to coordinate rehabilitation efforts in Bicol after it was severely damaged by a typhoon two years ago.