Funds drained by COVID-19 and typhoons, LGUs struggle to survive

The year 2020 brought a deluge of disasters to local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines, forcing each of them to reconsider the projects they need to pursue with the limited budget they have.

From a volcano eruption to a pandemic, to a trio of typhoons – catastrophes pushed local leaders to prioritize spending for needs over ambitious projects they had envisioned during their campaigns.

Help from the national government has been uncertain and has often been unreliable. The aid from Bayanihan 1 was decimated immediately and relief from the Department of Social Welfare and Development did not guarantee help for all in need.

Vaccines have been developed overseas, but the Philippine government’s procurement has been delayed by a lack of funds and the demanding requirements of national procurement laws. Meanwhile, local governments continue to squeeze their resources for testing and social relief.

As 2021 approaches, the LGUs worry how much longer their funds can last if the pandemic and the way the national government has been failing to handle it continues.

In this series, Rappler looks at the situation in some local governments. We speak to their leaders and their residents. How have they been making ends meet? What did they have to give up? What do they think needs to change?