Philippines: Better prepared than sorry – PHIVOLCS
Kalibo, Aklan - Risk preparedness is better than responding to disasters, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum.
Solidum issued this statement recently in a live interview over a local radio program here in the wake of the Magnitude 8.9 strong earthquake that hit Japan March 11, which also brought a 10-feet high tsunami, causing billions of dollars in losses and the death of thousands of people.
Solidum called for the active participation of local government units in initiating their disaster risk reduction management plans because they know their localities better.
Solidum said relying on the national government in the implementation of disaster risk reduction plans will no longer be effective.
LGUs should also have new strategies in developing their plans, and must have an existing Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to check into the regulated standard of construction of houses and buildings in their respective areas.
PHIVOLCS called on the LGUs also to make proper use of their calamity funds to prepare for disasters, and to integrate their disaster risk reduction plans in land use planning.
“Be aggressive and be adoptive to the times,” Solidum told LGUS in formulating their risk reduction programs.
In Aklan, the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PRRMC) had already conducted several activities as part of its sustained programs.
In his regular monthly report of provincial activities and accomplishments over GMA-DYRU radio station here, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said one activity conducted in February was the Water Search and Rescue Training upon the request of Aklan Catholic College here held at Sampaguita Garden Resort.
The PRRMC also conducted Simultaneous Earthquake Drills in 2 schools in Kalibo, and participated in the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) Trainors Training on Disaster Preparedness at the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO).
The council is currently headed by newly-designated Action Officer Galo Ibardolaza. (VGV PIA 6 Aklan)