SAN JOSE, Antique – The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) mulled of fast-tracking the implementation of the province's disaster preparedness programs.

Antique Governor Exequiel Javier, chairperson of the Council, issued a directive to concerned provincial departments and agencies members to fast track the implementation of infrastructure projects and training programs particularly in communities vulnerable to disasters and calamities.

"Those projects funded under the 2011 calamity fund should be given priority," Javier stressed.

For 2011, Antique has more than P36 million calamity fund, of which 70 percent or about P25 million goes to projects and activities geared towards disaster preparedness and mitigation, while the remaining 30 percent (P11 million) goes to the special account of the provincial government as quick-response fund.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Juliana Cepe, in charge of monitoring the fund utilization, said most of the programs were already awarded to winning contractors or suppliers.

Among the major projects funded were roads and bridges as emergency lifeline, evacuation centers, core shelter projects, barangay sites areas where people need to be relocated, desilting, rechanneling, and construction of river controls and procurement of emergency response equipment and communication facilities.

Community disaster preparedness training and DRRMC capacity building on rescue operations are also included.

PDRRMC has also turned over P1.2 million to Philippine Red Cross as counterpart fund for their foreign funded projects related to disaster risk reduction.

Javier enjoined municipal and barangay officials to help in the implementation and monitoring of the projects to ensure that these strictly follow the standard set for any construction or supplies and materials needed.*PIA