QUEZON CITY — In a recent meeting, DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe emphasized that “the coordination is fast and seamless when the right people who can make decisions are already here.”
This statement underscored the effectiveness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in facilitating face-to-face discussions among government agencies, which is crucial for streamlining disaster response efforts.
This meeting marked the first National Response Clusters Meeting, convened to address the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones (TCs) Nika, Ofel, and Pepito. Key discussions centered on ongoing government relief operations and the challenges faced in delivering aid to affected populations.
The national government is actively conducting relief operations, distributing essential items to those impacted by the recent typhoons. Among the non-food relief items provided are sleeping kits, which are critical for the well-being of displaced families. The logistics cluster highlighted the need for efficient delivery of these items, although airlift capabilities present challenges in some areas.
Significant concerns raised included camp management and the restoration of emergency health services. The meeting noted that restoring power generation in Catanduanes will require considerable time and resources. Additionally, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPPS) were recognized as vital components of the relief efforts.
The primary humanitarian need identified was the restoration and repair of shelters for those displaced by the storms.
Regional Situation Updates:
Region I
Two cities, Bangar in La Union and Bautista in Pangasinan, are currently under a state of calamity. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties, injuries, or missing persons. The region has requested shelter repair kits and construction materials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and is closely coordinating to address these needs. The importance of water sanitation facilities alongside shelter repair kits was emphasized, with financial assistance prioritized for the most affected individuals due to reported financial constraints.
Region II
A total of 12,353 houses were reported damaged. Usec. Cajipe cautioned against pre-emptive evacuations as TC Pepito approached, stressing the need for careful monitoring in saturated areas. Sadly, seven fatalities were reported in Nueva Vizcaya due to a landslide. Effective communication regarding risks and hazards is vital for compliance with evacuation protocols. The region has also requested hygiene kits and discussed transportation strategies for aid delivery.
Region III
The region reported three casualties from fallen debris and two injuries due to TC Nika. Ongoing aerial reconnaissance and ocular inspections are being conducted to assess damage. Government relief operations and clearing efforts for roads and bridges are underway. The OCD has prepositioned approximately P1,050,000 worth of assorted drugs and medicines for the affected provinces. The need for bottled water and water filtration kits was highlighted, along with the importance of sustainability in water and sanitation efforts linked to early recovery.
CALABARZON
No casualties or injuries have been reported. The region conducted an aerial damage assessment and plans to carry out a post-typhoon review assessment. Early advisories for future storms are deemed crucial.
Region V
There have been no reported casualties, and power restoration efforts are ongoing. The region clarified that shelter repair kits, rather than water filtration kits, are needed, with 136,760 houses reported as totally damaged.
CAR
Power has been restored, but four national roads remain closed. Local rapid damage and needs assessments are in progress, with two casualties reported due to a landslide.
National Cluster Intervention
The meeting provided a comprehensive analysis of the impact of consecutive TCs and outlined the relief assistance needed by affected regions. Key priorities include shelter response, restoration of power to keep affected populations informed, water filtration units, and solar lamps for emergency lighting. It was noted that schools are not designed to serve as evacuation centers, leading to some damage during the storms.
Lieutenant Colonel Ariel S. Galimba from the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, AFP, reported that LD602 has arrived in Batanes after facing seven consecutive typhoons. He emphasized the need for “augmentation of the foreign counterparts” and highlighted the importance of collaboration with UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and NGOs.
The Department of Health (DOH) clusters are set to engage with their respective partners to coordinate effective responses, ensuring that “they would not move unless there is a signal coming from us.” International partners such as the World Food Program and UNICEF were also recognized as vital contributors.
The meeting reiterated that the NDRRMC is addressing plans, issues, and updates to ensure effective communication among stakeholders. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that 474 tons of goods, including 34,000 food boxes, have already been transported.
The integration of resources from state media was also discussed to enhance communication efforts during the response.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting ongoing assessments and line clearing to restore power, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) was engaged to discuss plans for early recovery and the agricultural support needed for impacted populations due to the consecutive typhoons.
Usec. Cajipe commended the pre-emptive evacuation measures that resulted in minimal casualties during Typhoon Pepito. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among local government units, national agencies, and international partners to ensure effective disaster response and recovery.
The full council meeting has been rescheduled for December 4th at 2 PM. (OCD)
