Utilization of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF)

developed by governments to effectively anticipate and respond to disasters”. Attendance in these meetings is a direct exercise of these capacities. On the third and fourth queries, concerning the repair and periodic maintenance of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) vehicles, as well as the provision of lubricants and fuel, we treat the same in the negative. A reading of NDRRMC-DBM-DILG-CSC JMC No. 2014-1, particularly Item 4.3 thereof, clearly provides that the budgetary requirements for personal services and basic maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) of the LDRRMO shall be sourced from the General Fund of the LGU. In this regard, regular periodic maintenance and repair of service vehicles, including preventive maintenance services, as well as the procurement of fuel and lubricants for operational use, fall squarely within the category of basic MOOE. Moreover, a perusal of NDRRMC-DBM-DILG JMC No. 2013-1 does not provide for, nor contemplate, the charging of these routine operational expenses to the LDRRMF. With respect to your fifth query, regarding the improvement and maintenance of evacuation centers, the same is answered in the affirmative, subject to qualifications. Under DILG MC No. 2018-122, LGUs are explicitly urged to invest a portion of their 70% LDRRMF (Preparedness/Mitigation) for disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness, particularly for the construction or upgrading of durable, safe, and properly-designed evacuation facilities. In this regard, improvements that enhance the structural integrity, safety, and essential features of evacuation centers may be validly charged against the LDRRMF, as these directly contribute to disaster risk reduction. However, routine repairs and day-to-day maintenance of government buildings, such as cleaning, minor painting, and payment of regular utilities, are considered administrative in nature and should be charged to the General Fund of the LGU. Nevertheless, it bears noting that, under Section 3.2 of COA Circular No. 2012-002, the LDRRMF may be utilized for the repair and rehabilitation of public infrastructure, including evacuation centers, provided that the damage was caused by a calamity within the budget year. Accordingly, while capital improvements and disaster-related rehabilitation may be funded from the LDRRMF, routine upkeep remains outside its scope and is properly chargeable to the General Fund. On the sixth and seventh queries, relating to the purchase of information and technology equipment, as well as disaster communication and rescue equipment such as handheld radios and portable generators, the same is answered in the affirmative, provided that these are necessary for disaster preparedness or response and are included in the approved Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP). Page 2 of 3