THE provincial government of Albay has received rare praise from government auditors for observing transparency requirements in spending COVID-19 funds and planning its disaster response well in advance.
In its 2020 audit on the province released May 11, the Commission on Audit said the province complied with the Department of Budget and Management’s Local Budget Circular No. 126 regarding reporting and posting of fund utilization of the Bayanihan Grant to Provinces (BGP).
“Verification disclosed that the Provincial Budget Office was able to prepare the Monthly Reports on Fund Utilizations and Status of Implementation of PPAs (programs projects and activities) on BGP for June to September, 2020, and these were posted in the LGU’s website,” the audit team said.
The reports were submitted to the DBM Central Office and Regional Office 5, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.
“We commended the provincial government for complying with the reporting requirements …for the BGP Funds received,” auditors said.
Emergency procurements under the Bayanihan Act totaling P83.35 million were also posted on the Government Procurement Policy Board online portal and published on the province’s official website.
The province also kept an undated file on bidders with full documentary support including Mayor’s/Business permits, Income Tax Returns and original copies of Omnibus Sworn Statements.
“Management assured the audit team that it shall continuously uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in the procurement process,” the COA said.
Also lauded was the performance of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) for maintaining a state of “constant preparedness” to respond immediately to disasters and calamities.
Auditors noted that while the province did not create a stockpile of food packs, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office maintained sufficient volume of rice in storage and signed agreements with private warehouses for speedy delivery and distribution of relief supplies during emergencies.
The APSEMO, however, admitted that it is still trying to upgrade its manpower size and provide adequate training on disaster preparedness to its personnel. It said its first responders are mostly hired on job order basis hence their availability is always a concern.
“The availability of trained responders is crucial in the sustainability and preservation of established disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response controls in place at the APSEMO and the Provincial Government,” the COA noted.
