Philippines: Local Government Unit commits to be resilient to disasters
Saint Bernard observes LGU days, focuses on disaster risk reduction and adven-tourism
By R. G. Cadavos
Maasin City - The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Saint Bernard celebrated its LGU days in a new and significant manner contrary to the usual celebration conducted years back, Jane Araneta, Municipal Tourism Officer of the municipality disclosed in a report sent to PIA.
In its advocacy and commitment in making the town and its constituents resilient to disasters and also with the local tourism development, the local government took the lead in undertaking the relevant activities with it’s theme: "Saint Bernard is Ready, Adventourism, Disaster Risk Reduction."
Activities such as basic first aid, Rope Rescue, mountain search and training and exercises on incidental command system were part of the 3-day activities, Araneta disclosed. The competing groups were also challenged to win in various events which cover both DRR activities and adventure in tourism like rappelling, water and land rescue, race, trekking, hiking, caving, boating, diving and swimming in different tourism areas of the town, Araneta added.
All municipal employees including elected officials, department heads, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were divided into five groups, namely the tsunami, flood, landslide, typhoon and the earthquake group . Each group was given their own 3-day budget for expenses in survival like water, shelter, fuel, among others, living only in tents at designated evacuation centers, Araneta reported.
The celebration of the LGU Days is part of the implementation of the national program through the Human Resources Development Office or the Career Development Program. Araneta disclosed in her report.
In addition to the allocated local budget for the LGU Days, the local budget was able to secure assistance from the GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) to support various expenses relative to operations, training and advocacy, Araneta added. (PIA-Southern Leyte)