DILG wants LGUs to plan ahead for recovery, rehab from COVID-19

DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (Photo from his FB account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said local government units should create recovery and rehabilitation plans amid the continued threat of COVID-19.

“We need to recover now kahit ‘di pa tapos ang COVID-19 crisis kasi mas lalala ang epekto nito sa ekonomiya at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan. The DILG is collaborating with other national government agencies in the Interagency Task Force (IATF) to help LGUs prepare their recovery strategies and programs. The goal is to build back better,” DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

(We need to recover even as COVID-19 crisis is not over yet because its effects will get worse for the economy and livelihood of our countrymen.)

Malaya said they developed  “Ready to Recover (We Rise as One) COVID-19 Local Recovery Planning Guide” with technical support from the World Bank to help the LGUs recover from the current health crisis.

“The Local Recovery and Planning Guide will simplify recovery and rehabilitation planning to give LGUs flexibility in interventions. It has sample frameworks, templates, and suggested programs, projects, and activities (PPAs). It will guide LGUs on the coordination of recovery efforts of national, regional, and local governments including the roles, responsibilities, and institutional structures,” he said.

On issues to fund recovery efforts, Malaya said LGUs can use funds from Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, and Quick Response Fund of select national government implementing agencies such as Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and Department of Health.

JPV