Cebu Capitol eyes P400-M disaster fund for 2027, preparedness gets the biggest slice
CEBU CITY — The Cebu Provincial Government is eyeing a big-ticket investment in disaster preparedness for 2027, with a proposed P400-million budget for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). The bulk of it is not for relief goods or post-disaster rehabilitation, but for gearing up ahead of time: buying equipment, upgrading facilities, and expanding manpower so the province is ready long before the next calamity strikes.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) approved the proposed Annual Investment Plan (AIP) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) for 2027 during its third-quarter meeting at the Capitol on September 17, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano presiding. The proposal still has to go through the regular budget process before it gets finalized, but it already gives a clear picture of where the Capitol's priorities lie heading into 2027.
"We buy things that are very expensive, hoping that we will not be able to use it"
Of the proposed P400-million allocation, P168 million, or 60 percent, is earmarked for disaster preparedness, including the acquisition of equipment for the PDRRMO, its Emergency Operations Center, and its warehouses. That alone is the single biggest slice of the budget.
PDRRMO chief, retired Col. Dennis Pastor, explained why preparedness is topping the Capitol's list.
"Governor Pam really invested on preparedness; that is why we follow the marching order that we should prepare our communities, our local DRRMOs in the event of untoward incidents," Pastor said.
He added that a lot of the equipment they're set to purchase comes with a hefty price tag, but that's exactly the point — the hope is that these expensive items will never even have to be used.
"Ang programming man gud is more on preparedness. We buy things that are very expensive, hoping that we will not be able to use it," Pastor added, saying disaster preparedness is an investment the governor is not willing to compromise on.
Where the rest of the budget goes
Aside from preparedness, the AIP also sets aside funding for the three other phases of the DRRM cycle: P28 million (10 percent) for disaster prevention and mitigation; P56 million (20 percent) for disaster response and early recovery; and P28 million (10 percent) for recovery and rehabilitation.
On top of that, there's a separate P120-million Quick Response Fund (QRF) allotted for emergency and disaster response, relief operations, and rehabilitation and recovery in disaster-affected areas. Unlike the AIP, which is tied to planned, specific programs, the QRF is essentially the province's standby fund, meant to be tapped quickly once an actual emergency hits.
From 10 to 85 personnel — and still growing
The PDRRMO's growth under Gov. Pamela Baricuatro's administration is hard to miss. From just 10 personnel when Baricuatro assumed office, the office now has 85, nearly an eightfold jump. The proposed 2027 funding is also meant to further expand the office's personnel and operational capacity.
The PDRRMO is currently running at least seven mobile kitchens and is in the process of acquiring more vehicles to meet its operational needs, quite a turnaround from the days when the office had no running vehicle at all. It's a reminder that the 2027 preparedness spending isn't just about buying new gear; it's also about catching up on gaps that have been there since the office was reconstituted.
The practical details
What: Proposed P400-million DRRM budget for 2027, plus a separate P120-million Quick Response Fund
When approved: September 17, 2026, during the PDRRMC's third-quarter meeting
Where: Cebu Provincial Capitol
Who presided: Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano
What's next: The proposed AIP still has to go through the regular budget process for fiscal year 2027
📌 Quick Summary
What: P400-million disaster risk reduction and management budget proposal for 2027, with 60% (P168-M) going to preparedness
Where: Cebu Province, approved at the Capitol
When: Approved by the PDRRMC on Sept. 17, 2026; still subject to the 2027 budget process
Who benefits: Communities and local DRRMOs across Cebu Province, as well as the PDRRMO as the lead disaster response agency
Source: Cebu Provincial Government (Capitol) Public Information Office (PIO); photos by YJB