Aquino urged to become ‘disaster management czar’

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino should assume the post of a powerful disaster management czar with plenary powers to address every national calamity situation such as the December 16 flash floods that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, according to Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo.

The President can synchronize all moves to restore normalcy in emergency situations, and prevent infighting among public officials on search and rescue, relief and post-disaster rehabilitation operations, Castelo told reporters on Saturday.

The proposal was made following reports that officials of the two cities could not agree with initiatives undertaken by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The NDRRMC has put the number of dead at 1,080.

Although Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, names the defense secretary as NDRRMC chair, the key player is ultimately the President, Castelo said.

As the take-charge guy, the President will have to address four major areas: disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation, emergency response, and post-disaster rehabilitation of victims.

Castelo said he would introduce amendments to RA 10121 to mandate the teaching of disaster management and preparedness to elementary school children.

“This is the age of disasters – both natural and man-made,” Castelo said. “We have no choice but to adapt, as Mother Nature exacts its vengeance for all the abuses that have been committed by man.”