Local disaster councils told: Be ready for rains

CEBU, Philippines - With the onset of rainy season, the Provincial Board is calling all the local government units to “reactivate and invigorate” dormant Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMC) in all component cities and municipalities.

The board, in a resolution approved last Monday, reminded the LGUs of the end of hot and dry seasons and the expected rains and typhoons between now and December.

PB Member Thadeo Ouano, who sponsored the resolution, said that being fully aware of the circumstances, the duty bound responsibility to ensure the readiness and development of aggressive plan is of a significant magnitude.

Ouano, who chairs the PB committee on environment protection and conservation, said that preparation improves chances to reduce destructive outcome.

“Groundwork should be checked in all levels, barangay, municipality, City and the Province,” Ouano said.

Ouano added that the best time to call for preparation and action is when this inevitable natural phenomena is far away from the doorstep.

Republic Act No. 101211 upholds the people’s right to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country’s institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts.

The national policy was furthermore strengthened in the provincial level through the approval of PB Resolution No. 508-2012 embodying the Provincial Ordinance No. 2012 - 03 which is the “Creation of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils” also authored by Ouano.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared last Monday the start of the rainy season in the country.

It said that the prevailing synoptic conditions over the country are now characterized by southwesterly to westerly windflow, high humidity, presence of rain clouds and the daily occurrence of rainshowers and thunderstorms.

With this development, enhanced rainfall is expected over the country, particularly over the western section which signifies the onset of the rainy season.

However, breaks in rainfall may be expected lasting for a few days or weeks.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will be convening starting today to intensify their preparations amid the start of the successive rain showers.

According to Acting Governor Agnes Magpale, PDRRMC chief  Neil Sanchez will be meeting officers of municipalities and cities in the province to discuss heightened measures for calamities such as flooding and landslides.

In Manila last Tuesday, just hours of rain already caused flooding in areas consequently having cars and commuters stranded.

Magpale said flooding is also a major concern in Cebu.

“Not only in Cebu city but also in cities and municipalities in the Province.”

She cited Boljoon and Samboan as towns in the south and cities in the northern area along the coastal line which may have flooding as a big concern.

Last year, the town of Boljoon was among the most affected when super typhoon “Pablo” hit southern-most parts of the province.

Boljoon had the biggest damage with its bay walk partly destroyed by strong waves while its municipal hall and other nearby offices and residences destroyed.

But she said that the PDRRMC have been preparing for this with Sanchez on the lead of reminding local counterparts of what needs to be done in case of calamities.

According to the law, Governors and other chief executives are responsible in making sure disaster risk reduction plans are in place. If none, these officials can be made liable.

Although admitting that it is a challenge, Magpale said this is their job. “Of course it is the responsibility of the local chief executives sa kaluwasan sa iyang mga constituents.”

Further, Magpale said everything is in place including supplies of food and other forms of assistance that will be given out to areas that will be hit by disaster and calamities.

She added that part of Sanchez’ briefing with his local counterparts is on how they can convince people to evacuate from their homes that are along risk-prone areas. —  (FREEMAN)