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Risk Looms Over Philippines’ Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts

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As the country struggles to recover from the devastating effects of Typhoon Yolanda, concerns are growing over the potential risks that could undermine the success of the government’s reconstruction efforts.

Major Concerns for KALAHI-CIDSS Program

According to a recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is facing several significant risks in implementing its KALAHI-CIDSS program, which aims to provide financial assistance to disaster-affected communities.

Risk of Corruption

  • The scaling up of the program could lead to increased opportunities for fraud and misuse of funds.
  • ADB has recommended measures to mitigate this risk, including:
    • Use of electronic procurement tracking systems
    • Community monitoring of subproject procurement
    • Direct payment to community bank accounts

Lack of Institutional Capacity

  • The DSWD’s regional offices need to be strengthened with adequate numbers of technical staff and facilitation personnel who can quickly mobilize to support the implementation of subprojects.

Duplication of Recovery and Reconstruction Efforts

  • Close coordination among stakeholders is essential to avoid duplication.
  • Regular updates are needed to the central committee coordinating line agencies in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of the Yolanda recovery and reconstruction plan.

Other Risks Identified by ADB

  • Price inflation due to competition for resources in disaster-affected areas
  • Delays in the implementation of subprojects
  • Local political interference
  • Lack of participation by women and the poor in capacity building
  • Errors in recording and reporting project transactions
  • Unclear information regarding ownership and/or prior occupation of land to be utilized for subprojects

Recommendations by ADB

  • Expand the authority of regional offices to approve requests for fund release and disbursement of community grants
  • Simplify procedures and reporting requirements, particularly in disaster-affected areas
  • Provide additional training and capacity building for marginalized community members

Conclusion

The report warns that the KALAHI-CIDSS program faces a high level of risk due to the complexity and urgency of the post-disaster context. It is essential for the DSWD and other stakeholders to prioritize risk management and mitigation strategies to ensure the successful implementation of the program and the effective recovery and reconstruction of disaster-affected communities.

Source: Asian Development Bank