Sablan LGU clarifies CoA audit on projects, disaster funds

SABLAN, Benguet — The municipal government of Sablan, Benguet, has addressed findings in the Commission on Audit’s (CoA) 2024 Annual Audit Report, clarifying the status of delayed infrastructure projects, carryover disaster funds and long-standing audit disallowances.

In a statement, local officials said they welcome public scrutiny and constituent feedback, while emphasizing that discussions on municipal governance must be anchored on verified context.

Regarding unfinished infrastructure listed in the CoA executive summary, the municipal government explained that the figures reflect backlogs carried over from prior years after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted procurement, restricted construction and strained supply chains for building materials.

Officials said a substantial portion of those delayed projects has since been completed.

For projects later deemed unfeasible, the municipality followed standard government protocols to formally terminate them and reappropriate the funds to other priority community programs, stressing that inclusion in the audit report does not mean projects remain stalled or neglected.

The municipality also rejected claims that accumulated balances from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund were left idle.

Officials said the carryover funds have been actively utilized in compliance with existing laws to procure emergency response equipment and strengthen local disaster preparedness.

On CoA disallowances involving Collective Negotiation Agreement incentives from calendar years 2014 to 2015, officials reported ongoing compliance with audit directives, citing that remaining balances owed by certain personnel have been settled while other contested cases remain under formal appeal.

Reiterating that all municipal expenditures undergo standard budgeting, procurement, and auditing procedures, the local government cited its receipt of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government as proof of its fiscal management and transparency.

Officials urged residents to continue engaging constructively in local affairs as the municipality delivers infrastructure and social services.