Page 23 - LGA 2020 Annual Report

CHANGING THE GAME IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

DILG and its role in disaster preparedness

LGA Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne There is no denying that the country has
N. Purnell gave an overview of the been under constant threat of disasters,
Operation L!STO program as well as other ranking 3rd under the 2018 World Risk
efforts in assisting LGUs to reduce the Index of most disaster-prone countries
risks and impacts of disasters. She also in the world. Our previous experiences
shared LGA’s initiative with the assistance show that the lack of awareness and
of GIZ in incorporating various disaster communication has cost the country and
risk reduction strategies into a decision its people severe consequences.
support tool kit that will help LGUs
develop the required plans on DRR and And by looking back and taking lessons
CCA. from previous experiences, the country
has been on the move to proactively
City Director Silvestre Z. Barrameda, Jr. address the continuing threats of disasters
of DILG San Juan, on the other hand, (both natural and human-induced) by
introduced the enhanced Operation L!STO putting in place appropriate policies,
manual which does not only provide structures, and programs needed to
a preparedness checklist for city and develop disaster-ready and resilient
municipal mayors, DILG field officers, communities.
chiefs of policies and fire marshals, but
now provides the authority to the LCEs An equally important factor in the
to undertake pre-emptive or mandatory success of all DRR and CCA programs
evacuation if deemed necessary. Other is establishing awareness among the
progressive actions on preparedness and citizenry and key stakeholders and this is
response that LGUs need to undertake where the vital role of the media comes
depending on the 3 Alert Levels Alpha, in.
Bravo and Charlie, are also included in the
enhanced manual.

Dir. Edgar Allan B. Tabell, Director of the
DILG – Central Office Disaster Information
Coordinating Center (CODIX) was also
in attendance to brief the media on the
Department’s initiatives in capacitating
LGUs on the management of the dead
and the missing in the event of a disaster.

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