Legaspi proposes city allowance for barangay disaster responders

Councilor Al Legaspi Sr. proposed granting monthly allowance of P2,000 each to barangay disaster risk reduction and management responders.

The proposed assistance aims to help cover communication expenses, emergency mobilization costs, and other expenditures related to the performance of their duties.

In presenting the measure, Legaspi cited the demanding nature of emergency response work at the barangay level.

“Many of our barangay responders render service on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week on-call basis. Their commitment extends beyond regular working hours,” he said.

The councilor noted that existing honoraria extended by the barangay are often insufficient to cover expenses incurred while carrying out response and disaster management activities, particularly in barangays with limited financial resources.

Under Legaspi’s proposal, qualified responders must be accredited and certified by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), maintain active membership in their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Teams, and comply with prescribed training and emergency response requirements. The grant of assistance will also be subject to the availability of funds and existing accounting, auditing, and budgetary regulations.

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez referred the proposed measure to the Committees on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction, and on Finance, Budget and Appropriations for further study. (SPE/SP)