Philippines: Caraga RDCC strengthens disaster risk reduction and management system
Camp Rafael C Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City - Members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council met today to strengthen the Disaster Risk reduction and Management System and to plan out counter measures and solve any eventuality that may come in the region.
The RDCC full council meeting held at Executive Function Hall, Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city tackled the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10121, also known as "An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds therefore and for other purposes.
Caraga Police Director Pcsupt Reynaldo Serrano Rafal, PhD, CEO VI, RDCC Chairman said the meeting is of prime importance considering the typhoons that hit Metro Manila and other areas in the Philippines which caused great damage not only to resources but even costed lives, not to mention the other calamities which added more injuries to the people and the nation as a whole.
"Caraga is so blessed for being spared by such calamities, but still the government will not discount possible disaster that might hit the region," RD Rafal said.
Disaster risk reduction is a gigantic task considering the scarcity of resources. The provinces in the region which are along coastal areas and are near open seas are disaster-prone areas and the lack of manpower is also a great concern. This huge task cannot be done by a single agency alone may it be in the government or in the private sector. The Caraganons must every resources and contribute even in small ways.
That is why the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council or the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council in the region is composed of different government agencies with specific duties and responsibilities so the government can quickly respond to the needs of the time, especially when disaster comes. Public information campaign on disaster preparedness is still one of the best tools for disaster risk reduction. The community is enjoined to stay informed and keep abreast of current developments that may affect the lives in one way or another. Being always informed is being more aware, and being more aware is being better prepared for any eventuality.
RD Rafal added that capacity building for local government units in identified vulnerable areas could help a lot and examples of these are Disaster Management Training and Contingency Planning Community-Based Disaster Management Enhancement of Emergency Response Capability through training of first responders. While the government is primarily responsible for disaster management, however, everybody is equally responsible to undertake disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation activities to ensure one's survival and safety during emergency situations. Self-reliance must be developed by promoting and encouraging the spirit of self-help and mutual assistance among the local officials and their constituents. He emphasized that in whatever problem that besets in the region, the ingenuity and resiliency of the Caraganons has never failed. The organization of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Committees was made during the meeting. The RDCC will continue to look for solutions to the problems and take an active part in implementing them. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)