PB approves disaster council ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Government of Cebu finally has a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRMC) Council as the Provincial Board (PB) approved the legislation on third and final reading during their regular session.

The institutionalization of PDRRMC came almost two years after former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

The act orders the creation of a local disaster risk reduction and management office (LDRRMO) in every province, which compelled the Province of Cebu to create its own PDRRMC.

Board Member Thadeo Ouano, the sponsor of the ordinance, said the next step to take is to put up a PDRRM office which will be done through another resolution.

Ouano said the PDRMMC office is needed to manage the affairs of the council, which includes administrative functions, research and planning, and operation.

As soon as the office is established, he said PDRMMC chair Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is given the power to choose qualified persons to compose the PDRRM office.

Ouano admitted there was an executive order issued in 2008 by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for the creation of the Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council, but this had to be updated because its legal basis has been repealed by RA 10121.

The ordinance mandates that at least five percent of the estimated revenues from regular sources shall be set aside as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) to support activities such as training, purchase of life saving equipment, supplies and medicines, construction of evacuation centers, payment of premiums of calamity insurance of accredited volunteers and rescuers.

Of the amount appropriated for LDRRMF, thirty percent (30%) shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund (QRF) or stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs for the affected families of disaster-stricken areas.

Ouano further said the creation of the PDRRMC provides stability for the disaster management unit of the province.

Capitol helped other provinces in the country victimized by disasters through the previous provincial disaster council. – (FREEMAN)