CV local execs tackle disaster preparedness

To prevent loss of lives and damages to properties because of natural disasters, local government units (LGUs) are urged to prioritize disaster risk reduction.

The Regional Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-7) identified tropical cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, flooding, fire incidents and maritime disasters as the most common disasters occurring in Central Visayas.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said that the disaster risk reduction summit is about recognition and awareness of the risks and hazards, which is the “the first step in promoting and enhancing efforts on disaster preparedness.

The three-day event is attended by all the municipal and city mayors, planning officers, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) officers and RDRRMC members of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

The objective of the summit is to “review and refresh the LGUs’ understanding of their responsibilities and their declaration to commit to action on disaster risk management,” said Minda Morante, director of the Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas.

Dir. Ananias Villacorta, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7, said The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act (Republic Act 10121) requires LGUs to appropriate at least five percent of the annual budget to disaster risk reduction.

RA 10121 also allows the use of 70 percent of the disaster fund for preparedness and mitigation. The remaining 30 percent of the fund is allocated for disaster response.

Villacorta said the loss of lives and properties caused by tropical cyclone Sendong and Pablo could have been mitigated if LGUs were better prepared.

“We cannot afford that to happen again,” Villacorta said during the summit held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

He explained that the disaster fund he explained should address the four thematic areas in disaster risk reduction management which are 1) disaster prevention and mitigation; 2) disaster preparedness; 3) response; and 4) rehabiliation and recovery.

“LGUs must always be aware of the weather bulletin and goehazard in their to areas. Areas susceptible to natural calamities such as floods and landslides should always be checked during inclement weather,” he added.

Meanwhile, Oscar Tabada, chief weatherman of the Mactan station of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said that Central Visayas will experience normal weather from July to December.

He however warned that there are still nine to 10 tropical cyclones expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this year.

DILG Assistant Regional Director Elias Fernandez, Jr. also encouraged the municipalities and cities to comply their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and their Comprehensive Development (CDP).

“We have to make a plan focusing on the risk assessment rather than the damage. The call here is to mainstream and integrate disaster risk reduction in development planning, decision making, and implementation process,” Fernandez said.

Studies have ranked the country as the third most exposed and vulnerable to natural disasters.

“The ranking is dreary, so the call is disaster preparedness,” Fernandez added.