Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government launches disaster preparedness program for Local Government Units
Bontoc, Mountain Province - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial office here has launched a disaster preparedness program that will enhance the capacities of local government units (LGU) in mitigating the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change.
Dubbed as “Operation Listo,” this program is one of the DILG’s responses to the continuing threats of disasters and calamities. It sets series of interventions for the local government units to intensify their disaster preparedness and response programs.
The program also contains disaster preparedness manual or protocol that will guide the mayors and other stakeholders on the course of action that needs to be done before, during and after the occurrence of disasters and calamities.
Orienting the participants on the program during the Provincial “Listo” Convergence Action Planning, DILG Provincial Director Anthony Ballug said the LGUs, with their foremost mandate of ensuring safety and resiliency in their respective localities, should be given relevant interventions to strengthen their capacities in their disaster risk reduction and management programs.
The LGUs will take the lead role in all disaster matters, he added.
Balug said “operation listo” has three major activities which include the Provincial Listo Convergence Action Planning where the disaster preparedness manuals will be downloaded to the LGUs. The manual contains the checklist for early warning or preparation for Mayors, Municipal Local Government Operation Officers, Fire Marshals, Chiefs of Police and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers.
The second activity is the Provincial Disaster Preparedness Dialogue set on April 15 which aims to strengthen commitments, network and partnership between and among the LGUs, civil society organizations, private sector, academe and media by establishing a common understanding and appreciation of the LGU disaster preparedness manuals and other disaster related activities.
The third activity is the WEmboree scheduled of April 29 – 30, a gathering of school youth, out of school youth and youth organizations in the province. This activity will discuss the role of the youth in addressing disaster resiliency and encouraging volunteerism in addressing challenges disaster risk reduction.
In the same affair, the local officials led by governor Leonard Mayaen, heads and representatives of key offices in the province signed the Declaration of Commitment of Operation “Listo” Tamang Paghahanda, Tamang Aksyon. (JDP/ ABD- PIA CAR, Mountain Province)