Strengthening of disaster coordinating councils urged

CEBU, Philippines - Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. the other day urged local executives of the towns of Bantayan Island to strengthen their respective municipal and barangay disaster coordinating councils.

Teodoro who visited Bantayan town the other day for the turnover of financial assistance to the victims of typhoon Frank last year said that local officials play significant roles in the event of disasters and calamities.

Typhoon Frank (internationally codenamed Fengshen) hit northern Cebu and other provinces of the Western Visayas last June 21, 2008.

Teodoro, chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said that there is a need for local leaders to undertake preemptive measures and that disaster risk management should be dealt with beginning with the grassroots level.

He said that though the national government has its preparation or contingency measures and has provided support, disaster risk management should begin at the barangay level.

Also, Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said that there is a need to continue improving conditions of roads to fast track delivery of assistance during calamities. — Jose P. Sollano/MEEV  (FREEMAN NEWS)