Philippines: Civil defence head reminds Ilonggos to prepare for disasters

Iloilo City - It is important that the people should know what kind of disaster and risk their areas are prone to, so that they will be able to respond quickly and protect themselves from the effects of the disaster.

Director Rose Cabrera of the Office of Civil Defense, Region 6 said during the PIA-Cable TV program that the month of July is observed as Disaster Consciousness Month and the government recognized the value of setting aside a designated period for people to focus their attention on the need to prepare for the occurrence of natural disasters.

This year's celebration theme is "Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro," Cabrera said as she emphasized advocacy on zero casualties.

"The only way to counter nature's rage is to prepare and have a thorough knowledge on measures that could help deter further loss of life," Cabrera said.

During the month-long celebration, Cabrera said that several activities are undertaken like the conduct of information dissemination campaign trainings and demonstrations on search and rescue operations, and recognition of LGUs and private sectors that have performed well in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.

She also cited Republic Act 101211 otherwise known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

This new law signed only last May, strengthens the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building resilience of local communities to disasters including impacts of climate change.

Cabrera said that the current National Disaster Coordinating Council shall henceforth be known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The OCD 6 head said that this Act is essentially the government's response to the public's need for a reinforced National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Its primary aim is to institutionalize disaster risk management at all levels of government, so that our country could cope with forthcoming calamities more effectively.

She said through this Act, it is now mandatory for the local government units to establish their permanent disaster risk reduction and management office in their respective areas, unlike in the previous set up where only designated Civil Defense Deputized Coordinators are tapped.

"With a permanent office, the LGU could focus their time and effort to implement programs on disaster risk reduction and management. (PIA6)