CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The Regional Development Council Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC) here has approved the DAC resolution expressing full support for the enactment of the Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 7 chief of the Policy Development and Planning Section, Engr. Philip Ponte, explained that the Magna Carta aims to prioritize the welfare of DRRM workers by providing better benefits.
It also encourages qualified individuals to pursue careers in government disaster management and remain in the government service as DRRM profession.
The bill on Magna Carta for Public DRRM Workers was approved by the House of Representatives on Jan. 31 and currently under committee deliberations in the Senate.
During the DAC meeting on Nov. 12, Ponte emphasized the need for action to better support these frontline workers.
Ponte said that many local DRRM workers have not received the benefits they deserve, despite their tireless efforts in disaster preparedness and response.
“Unfortunately, despite the efforts of our Local DRRM officers, other DRRM workers, hindi pa naka-receive ng benefits (have not yet received their benefits),” he said.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 7 regional director Jennifer Bretaña, vice chair of the RDC-DAC, echoed the call for support on how important the Magna Carta is.
She said the council is supporting the Magna Carta since DRRM workers are among those who are most vulnerable in times of disaster.
“We are supporting the enactment of the Magna Carta without delving into the specific details added by the OCD to be passed by the Senate in recognition of the importance of the role of our DRRM workers, being the number one most vulnerable country in terms of disaster,” Bretaña said.
The DAC resolution will be forwarded to the Central Visayas RDC Full Council for the council to formally endorse the enactment of the Magna Carta for DRRM workers. (MSH/PIA7)
