LGUs ordered to observe disaster awareness month

Local Government Units should undertake activities in order to heighten the awareness of their constituents on disaster preparedness as the country observes National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Secretary of interior and local government Ronaldo Puno issued a memorandum circular to encourage local chief executives to initiate activities such as hanging of streamers in conspicuous places; music writing or singing contest that focuses on the theme, and clean-up activities involving members of the community.

This year's theme for the disaster consciousness celebration is "Itaguyod ang Kaunlaran ng Bayan, Kalamidad ay Paghandaan."

Puno said local officials should conduct disaster preparedness forums that will focus on best practices within the locality in collaboration with forecasting and warning agencies; to discuss hazards and possible remedies through the "Ugnayan sa Barangay"; to conduct drills with the participation of stakeholders in the community, and other activities deemed necessary.

Last Wednesday, the Cebu City Council, through the proposed resolution sponsored by Gerardo Carillo, declared July as disaster preparedness and consciousness month.

But councilor Hilario Davide III said: "It seems that every month we have a special month?" citing that just March and June was declared Fire Prevention and Nutrition Month, respectively.

"Would it be necessary that the council have to declare or to make any special occasions?" Davide asked Carillo

Majority Floor Leader Jocelyn Pesquera also shared Davide's observation saying that instead of declaring specific month, the National Disaster Coordinating Council should undertake month-to-month activities considering that disaster could also happened anytime to the day and month.

"As we observe the National Disaster Consciousness Month, it is imperative to educate our people on disaster management and preparedness. And as chairs of their respective Local Disaster Coordinating Council, it is incumbent upon our local chief executives to take the lead role in informing the people," the memorandum of the DILG read.

To effectively carry out these programs, Puno's directive also urged members of the legislative councils to enact resolutions and/or ordinances that will further protect the people in case of emergencies, and allocate funds for disaster preparedness.

The month of July has been declared as National Disaster Consciousness Month by virtue of Presidential Executive Order No. 137, promulgated on August 10, 1999. - Garry B. Lao