The capitol is finally listening this time. After months of calling for a dashboard or distribution mapping, on February 6, the capitol provided an infographic showing the percentage distribution of the 107 million pesos donated by the national government and generous local government units such as Davao City, Valenzuela City, and the province of Albay. According to the dashboard, the allocation was based on a resolution ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in response to the approved allocation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by Governor Joseph Cua. This fund was utilized as follows:
- ₱63.99 million – Purchase of GI sheets for damaged houses
- ₱40 million – Purchase of rice for relief assistance
- ₱1 million – Hauling of goods and materials
- ₱2 million – Health emergency management activities
- ₱162,000 – Procurement of umbrella nails
According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), before the year 2025 arrived, assistance had already reached all severely damaged homes in the province. A total of 5,597 households that were completely damaged received roofing sheets and nails for rebuilding, while distribution of roofing materials to partially damaged houses continues. Currently, four municipalities have already received roofing materials for partially damaged houses, and the Provincial Engineering Office continues to validate the accurate count of materials needed.
Based on the latest report from the Local Finance Committee (LFC), 89% or ₱96.16 million of the total funds has been utilized, while the procurement of the remaining ₱10.99 million is still in process. We appreciate the response of the PSWD and hope that both PSWD and the provincial government will consider posting a similar dashboard for the utilization of DSWD packs and the provincial government’s allocation of 18 million pesos and 4.5 million pesos for disaster response.
This transparency will help dispel doubts from those seeking clarity. Instead of responding defensively and combatively to comments, it would be more appropriate to handle them diplomatically. Even during this political season, there is no reason to withhold information that could benefit the public. The controversy surrounding the privilege speech of PBM Jan Alberto has become the talk of the town, even on social media.
The focus of the controversy this time is on the six PBMs who did not support Alberto’s appeal to invite former President Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza after his expose on alleged spoiled rice and underweight deliveries.
The six PBMs requested Alberto to substantiate his claims before granting his plea. The Vice Governor ruled to refer the plea to the committee, but this decision was contradicted by the six PBMs: Santos Zafe, Sonny Francisco, Josevan Balidoy, SK President Fred Gianan, and PCL President Tito Villamor. Meanwhile, the three who voted for an investigation are PBM Dean Vergara, Jan Alberto, and Raffy Zuniega. PCL President Joselito Alberto abstained, while PBM Robert Fernandez was on leave.
According to Francisco, Alberto, and Vergara, Jan Alberto’s proposal can still move forward if he substantiates it. However, Jan Alberto stated that there would be no hearing because the majority allegedly does not want it.
He expressed a desire to summon Dr. Azanza, who holds the evidence, but this was blocked by the majority. In my opinion, there are several ways to verify the veracity of the case. Jan Alberto can explore these options instead of solely relying on Dr. Azanza’s sources. Conducting the investigation could enlighten those seeking answers. Transparency is indeed the best policy.
