Local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas are advised to identify and assess possible hazards to maximize the utilization of their local disaster risk reduction management funds (LDRRM) for the needed preparations. Western Visayas has major river basins with tributaries, rivers, and creeks so among the possible hazards are flooding and landslide that can be triggered by heavy rains, said Ma. Aletha Nogra, officer-in-charge at the Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas (OCD-6) on Tuesday. ‘This early, our local DRRM officers are advised to assess what areas to prioritize for landslide and flooding,’ Nogra, concurrent chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), said in an interview on the sidelines of the DRMM orientation here. Nogra said LGUs may increase their capabilities for logistical requirements and adhere to the operation protocol for disaster preparedness, response, and monitoring of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. With their LDDRM officers on the lead, she said LGUs need to have a checklist of their requirements, available logistics, and gaps. ‘Their local DRRM funds have this enabling mechanism to be able to implement their preparedness and response measures,’ she added. At least five percent of the Internal Revenue Allotment is earmarked for DRRM; 70 percent of which can be used before the declaration of a state of emergency by an LGU for their prevention and mitigating measures. The remaining 30 percent is reserved when a state of calamity is declared. Aside from LGUs, she also called those living in areas prone to floods and landslides to be ready with their ‘go bags’ containing the needed basic supplies in emergencies. ‘Our general public must continue to monitor, be aware through news and authorized government agencies for weather updates,’ she said. Meanwhile, Nogra underscored the role of media and information officers in providing information not only during disasters and calamities but in the ‘whole gamut of the disaster risk reduction and management.” ‘We need your services, your partnership, your collaboration in building a culture of resilience to educate communities in understanding the risk, likewise informing them on the role they play in preparing their families to become safe and resilient,’ she said.
Source: Philippines News Agency