DILG Secretary launches “Seal of Disaster Preparedness” in Eastern Visayas

Tuesday 12th of June 2012

PALO, LEYTE, June 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse M. Robredo launched in Palo, Leyte, the Seal of Disaster Preparedness which aims to recognize the performance and efforts of local governments in institutionalizing disaster preparedness.

Speaking before local government executives, heads of government offices, non-government organizations and leaders of civil society during the Tapatan on Disaster Preparation and Management summit on June 11at the DPWH Multi-Purpose Hall in Palo, Leyte, Robredo said there are three prerequisites for a local government unit to qualify for a seal of disaster preparedness.

First, according to Secretary Robredo, is the institutionalization of the organization; the organization of the disaster risk reduction and management council and the setting up of the disaster risk reduction and management office; Guide to Action (risk assessment and mapping, and institutionalized planning and budgeting); Disaster Preparedness contingency planning, early warning and evacuation alert system, preemptive evacuation, stockpiling and equipping, technical competency and community awareness.

Second is the operationalization of the disaster of the disaster management plan, early warning and evacuation systems, and acquisition of equipment needed for disaster management such as rubber boats, and the presence of capable rescue groups.

The third requirement is the mainstreaming of disaster preparedness and management in local government plans. Robredo gave as example the updating of the LGUs land use plan to be in conjunction with the change of time and to be able to guide the LGU’s growth in the right direction.

Aside from the Seal, the department is currently finding means so that LGUs that will pass the assessment will be also be given Disaster Management Fund or disaster equipment, Secretary Robredo disclosed.

The SDP authorizes local governments to use 70 percent of their calamity fund to buy equipment or organize disaster-response training.

Robredo has issued Memorandum Circulars 79 and 73 to guide local governments in the assessment of capabilities and in the use of the calamity fund. (PIA 8)