NORTHERN Mindanao interior and local government department (DILG-10) on Friday marked a 93.02 percent utilization of Bayanihan Grant to cities and municipalities in Region-10, as response to the adverse effects of coronavirus disease COVID-19, said in a press statement Friday.
DILG-10 regional director Arnel Agabe said Bukidnon has utilized 90.21 percent, Camiguin (99.59 percent), Lanao del Norte (99.86 percent), Misamis Occidental (87.34 percent), Misamis Oriental (92.87 percent), CDO (99.99 percent), and Iligan (96.71 percent).
During the Normin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, Agabe said the local government units (LGUs) are given until June 1, 2021 to utilize the said fund by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-10.
“Local government units should abide by the policies and guidelines nga gipagawas DBM nga gihatag sa ila, specifically allocated for COVID-19 response,” Agabe said.
To ensure appropriate use, purchase or procurement, and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, Agabe said a tripartite agreement with the national government, through the National Task Force Against COVID-19, Department of Health (DOH), LGUs, and pharmaceutical companies must be signed for the advance purchase of vaccines.
The local government units should have the parameters on who to prioritize, guided by the DOH, and how they will identify who should receive the vaccine first, according to Agabe.
Agabe said this is to ensure that the local leaders will be fair in giving the vaccines and will not prioritize their family members.
As of January 14, there are a total of 8,346 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northern Mindanao, wherein 7,238 or 86.72 percent have recovered, 250 expired, and 858 are recovering. (Recthie Tolinero/PIA10)
