TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office in partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines - League of Municipalities of the Philippine (ULAP-LMP) recently conducted a provincial disaster risk reduction management summit with the local chief executives and PDRRM members to give emphasis on the important role of the local government unit in DRRM and Climate Change (CC) mitigation efforts.
Kalinga PDRRM Officer Eric Sallidao said the event hopes to provide the local chief executives and provincial DRRM officers a comprehensive and standard understanding on their roles and responsibilities to effectively and efficiently deliver the expected government services on DRRM and CC.
He said that based on the theme "Enhancing Disaster Resilience through Partnership," the role of everyone especially the LGUs that are at the forefront in DRRM efforts cannot be taken lightly.
"The attitude should be 'we work our plan'. We need everyone's commitment and sincere support to succeed in making our communities prepared and resilient to disasters," he said.
As a highlight of the summit, the LCEs affirmed their support to the National Government's effort with the signing of the "Declaration of Commitment for LCEs of Kalinga to DRRM Action."
This document, which contains 10 commitments, he said would serve as a manifestation of an established partnership among all LGUs in the province with the national DRRM.
In the declaration LCEs it states would be the lead actors in DRRM in their localities in preventing and mitigating the impacts or hazards and other disasters in their communities.
LCEs also committed to capacitate their communities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery that include the restoration of livelihood and improvement of local facilities and infrastructures in the aftermath of disasters. They are also expected to maximize the application of all DRRM tools in their locality, strengthen partnerships with civil society and humanitarian organization in DRRM efforts; mainstream DRRM and Climate Change Adaptation in all development plans, and incorporate DRRM in the delivery of government services.
The LCEs also vowed to serve the people with utmost unity, cooperation and mutual assistance regardless of political and religious affiliation, and as their moral obligation they committed to secure and safeguard the people and the environment against natural and human induced calamities.
Sallidao said the key in fulfilling said commitment, the LCEs must ensure the formulation of their Local DRRM and CCA Plans to be conducted through consultation with the stakeholders.
During the event, DILG Kalinga Director Francisco Gamatero oriented the participants on the "LCEs roles and responsibilities on DRRM," while Kalinga Budget Officer Alma Christine Copanut talked on the joint memo circular on the allocation and utilization of local DRRM funds.
Sallidao presented the PDRRMC Accomplishment of the province.
OCD-CAR Assistant Regional Director Engr. Jose Valera who talked on the lessons from previous disaster Typhoon Yolanda led the speakers from the region. OCD-CAR Planning Officer Jesse Rey Rios also gave an orientation on the institutionalization of the LDRRMC while MGB-CAR Geologist Engr. Benigno Espejo presented the geo-hazard assessment of Kalinga. (Geraldine Dumallig)