IF YOU read my article last week, you would ask; so what happens after voting for someone who prioritizes Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts in the town?
Hey! Every local government (Municipal, Provincial or Barangay) is mandated by the law to create a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC). This council makes the decisions on what are supposed to be done in the locality to help the people become resilient when a disaster strikes. Its chairperson is the municipal mayor with members from different heads of offices, Society Organizations and councilors involved in DRRM. When they come up with a decision, the implementing arm is their secretariat composed of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
But implementing project, programs and activities for the people doesn’t start yet until the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) approves its budget (SB is composed of the Municipal Councilors). Keep in mind that when nobody fights for DRRM in the SB (or SP in the provincial level), all the local government unit’s programs for DRRM will have to be implemented last.
Be reminded that we are living with many hazards that becomes disaster when not managed. It is important that we do everything that would prepare us to be resilient. When we have a DRRM inclined government officials, these preparations should be the utmost priority.
The required tools and equipment for rescue operations, for instance, will have to be readily available in your town along with trained rescuers who would lend a helping hand in emergencies. Also, the programs in Rehabilitation and Recovery must be prepared, with or without a disaster.
A DRRM inclined government official knows this concept. There must be a reserved resource to aid those who will be experiencing a disaster. Meaning, when your house is damaged, there should be an aid provided for your affected family, or seeds and fertilizers for the farmers. This will help you in your recovery activities.
Maybe you think your home is safe from disaster, which is a state of mind to someone who makes all efforts for a prepared family, but actually not, considering a larger picture. I mean, with our country as among the riskiest place to live at, nowhere is safe. And, when you really think you are, how about your relatives, friends, and neighbors? They still need to be transformed into a more pro-active disaster preparedness attitude, which, your government officials must prioritize in the next years.
We are far away from being a disaster resilient community. We are still evolving from a reactive disaster management to a proactive way. Proactive means we have to act now in anticipation of a possible future problem and needs after a disaster. Isn’t that better than doing action only when there is a disaster? While there is no typhoon, landslide, flood, fire, or any other hazards in the community, we must be doing pro-active measures.
And what better way your government can help you in this? Ensure first that someone inclined to DRRM and its concepts is in the rosters of your new set of public officials. Your DRRM Officers, who is present in all the Municipal Halls wherever you are, will do the next actions and efforts to improve DRRM in your Community.
Good luck out there and vote wisely on Monday!