Philippines: Albay implements reforms for disaster risk reduction
PIA press release
By Mike de la Rama
Legazpi City -- The provincial government of Albay is implementing reforms on disaster risk reduction (DRR) that includes the doctrine of social minimum and risk reduction for especially vulnerable sectors such as children, people with disabilities and senior citizens.
This was announced by Albay Governor Joey Salceda Thursday after declaring the entire province under state of calamity due to continuous heavy rains since December 24 that resulted to 37,729 families evacuated from the municipalities of Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Manito, Jovellar, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi City.
The provincial disaster risk reduction council ordered the evacuation of residents since December 24 because of the threat from landslide and flashfloods.
Salceda has emphasized that vulnerable sectors should be provided the same level of safety afforded to all during calamity.
To the maximum extent possible, people with disabilities (PWDs) should not be routinely routed to a health care environment or separated from their relatives, essential equipment and other personnel support. Doing either generally increases the vulnerability and trauma.
A ‘child-friendly space’ will also be designated in evacuation camps to ensure child protection from stressful situation, infra-family violence, drugs or sexual abuse. There should also be preplaced health kits and a health team must make regular visits to monitor the status of children and pregnant mothers and ensure adequate ensure nutrition, water and sanitation.
Salceda also explained that during emergencies, elderly and disabled persons have many of the same needs as the general population.
“All of these have been in the DRR reforms in order to address the needs of all sectors,” Salceda said.
He assured that all identified vulnerable population due to landslide remains in the safe evacuation centers amid rains caused by the tail end of a cold front since last week.
Salceda also urged PAGASA weather bureau to issue alert warnings not only for tropical cyclones but also for this kind of weather disturbances that may also cause landslides and flashfloods. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA)