San Fran asks LGUs: Prioritize risk reduction

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Alfredo “Al” Arquillano of San Farcisco, Camotes encourages local government units (LGUs) to prioritize Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), believing that Cebu has lots of disasters waiting to happen.

The flooding in Manila should be a wake up call, he said.

“Disaster risk reduction must be a priority because it is protecting lives and properties,”said Arquillano in a press conference yesterday at the Sarrosa International Hotel in Mabolo, Cebu City.

“Disaster response and reconstruction is a cost, while disaster risk reduction is an investment. We should focus on reducing the risk and be prepared and ready to response,” he added.

Arquillano was recognized for his work in empowering local communities in reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change through the Purok System, which is an indigenous method of self-organization at the sub-village level.

During his recent visit in Surabaya, Indonesia for the preparation of the 5th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction last July 8-16, they talked about the challenges of LGUs in empowering the citizens.

His concern is that when the disasters strike Cebu, the most vulnerable and will be greatly affected are people living in poverty especially those living under the bridges and other high risk areas.

“I would like to encourage our leaders to establish early warning system, which will be a band-aid solution for the upcoming disasters. And then conduct drills to the possible areas that will be affected,” he said.

“Everybody has a role to play. It should start with the community first because the LGUs will be there to support. Everything is given, we have the tools already, what we need to do is on how to change the mindset of the people towards awareness,”he added.

Under Arquillano’s leadership, San Francisco won the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2011 for its community empowerment program to boost the resilience of a mostly poor population.

Arquillano also implemented a system of solid waste management that contributes to better sanitation and drainage, considerably reducing the risk of floods caused by clogged waterways. It is now touted as a best practice and example that is being shared with other cities in the Philippines and other countries.

Under his leadership, San Francisco constructed a flood control dam in a particularly flood-prone barangay. Manual and digital rain gauges were installed that are serving as early warning device supported by Plan International Philippines.    - THE FREEMAN