Philippines: Climate change, disaster risk reduction council to be established in Cagayan
PIA press release by Thelma C. Bicarme
Tuguegarao City - An ordinance which seeks to establish the Provincial Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PCCDRRMC) and promote the involvement of all sectors and stakeholders in climate change and disaster risk reduction programs was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here.
Based on the ordinance sponsored by Board Member Mila Catabay-Lauigan, the PCCDRRMO shall be composed of the following: Governor Alvaro Antonio as Chairman; Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and Provincial Agriculturist as vice chairmen for climate change, DRRMC and disaster recovery respectively.
Regional and provincial directors of national government agencies as well as private sector and non-government organizations representatives will serve as members.
The council is tasked to formulate and implement a comprehensive and integrated CCDRRM programs in accordance with the regional and provincial framework and policies on climate change and disaster risk reduction in close coordination with the Provincial Development Council.
Further, the council shall design, program and coordinate disaster risk reduction and management activities of the province and support climate change programs, risk assessment and contingency planning activities of municipalities and barangays within the province.
The PCCDRRMC will also convene quarterly or as often as the need arises, especially after a disaster, to assess the damages, plan rehabilitation efforts and alleviate the condition of those directly affected by any disaster.
The ordinance also called for the establishment of the Provincial Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PCCDRRMO) which shall be headed by a climate change and disaster risk reduction and management officer.
The PCCDRRMO which will be put under the Office of the Governor shall serve as the secretariat and executive arm of the PCCDRRMC.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has appropriated an annual budget of P5 million for the office’s personnel services and maintenance and operational expenditure. # TCB/PIA 2