LGU councilors in Central Visayas reminded of their roles in disaster response

CEBU, Philippines- To remind local legislators of their crucial role in disaster response, a three-day regional disaster preparedness assembly for city and municipal councilors kicked off yesterday morning.

Willie Jane Cabanag, regional focal person for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction Management-Climate Change Adaptation, cited in a presentation the roles of local government unit leaders in disaster preparedness and response.

“Importante man gyud that they know their roles because they are the forefront in their respective jurisdiction, especially when it comes to disasters, whether man-made or natural,” said Cabanag in an interview.

The assembly was organized by the Philippine Councilors League-7 and the Department of Interior and Local Government with the theme “Disaster Resilience Conference for Legislators.”

Cabanag explained that in 2013, the Philippines ranked number one in the world with the highest number of deaths due to super typhoon Yolanda.

“It is best that LGUs and local officials should be prepared before a calamity strikes,” Cabanag said.

Cabanag also reminded the local officials to familiarize DILG’s “Oplan Alisto,” a manual for disaster preparedness in the community.

“Mas maayo nga prepared ang community down to each family,” she added.

The officials were also reminded of their duties, responsibilities and functions of local legislators by PCL-Iligan City, Lanao del Norte Chapter president Alfredo Busico.

Today, human trafficking will be tackled by lawyer Lucille Dejito of the International Justice Mission-Cebu while the topic on earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption will be discussed by Robinson Jorgio, the officer-in-charge of the Phivolcs Cebu.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office is planning an earthquake drill for the whole province of Cebu. 

Baltazar Tribulano Jr., PDRRMO head, said he called for a meeting this Friday for all members of PDRRM council and local government units to discuss the drill.  Tribunalo said he expects to come up with an immediate plan and action for the event.

 “After reviewing all the follow-ups of our earthquake drills, naa gihapoy mga gitawag nato nga mga glitches. Dili man sad ta makaingon nga sayop ni sa mga nagkalain-laing personnel sa mga miyembro nato nga mga ahensya pero atong sutaon kung unsa ang nasayop aron mahapsay na atong mga umalabot nga mga earthquake drills,” said Tribunalo.

Last July 24, Tribulano led an earthquake drill at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. He said they also plan to hold fire drills.  —  Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Janica Otom /ATO