Talisay dad seeks creation of disaster risk reduction body

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Celiapo A. Cabuenas, who is the chairman of the committee on social welfare and services, has filed a measure seeking the creation of a disaster risk reduction council.

The “City of Talisay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CTDRRMC)”, enacted pursuant to the provisions of Section 11 of RA 10121, specifies the organization at the local government levels, the existence of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Cabuenas said the proposed ordinance is towards the speedy arrest of any unforeseen disastrous event as this municipality is a disaster-prone area.

“There is a need to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promotes the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community,” Cabuenas said.

If it is approved, the composition shall be composed the chairman and vice-chairman, which is the city mayor and city administrator, respectively.

The members include the SP chairmen of the Committee on Social Welfare & Services; Committee on Public Works & Infrastructures; Committee on Health; Committee on Public Safety, Peace & Order and the Association of Barangay Council president.

Under Section 5 of the proposed ordinance, the duties and functions of the council will set the direction, design programs for development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk reduction and management activities consistent with the Provincial and National Council’s standards and guidelines as provided under RA 10121.

They will also facilitate and support risk assessments, contingency planning activities, consolidate disaster risk information, a risk map and maintain a database of human resources, equipment, directories and location of critical infrastructures and their capacities such as hospitals and evacuation centers.  (FREEMAN)