Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government to award ‘seal of disaster preparedness’ to local governments

The Inquirer reports that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)has launched a Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP) to recognise local government's efforts in disaster preparedness.

“The ultimate aim is to make use of a set of [measurements] in assessing whether [a local government] is ready or not for the worst typhoons and floods. We’d like to look at institutional, organizational and operational [capabilities]. Is the disaster risk reduction management council functional? Is an alert system in place? Are there designated evacuation centers? Do they have equipment for rescue?” said Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo