LGU formulates 6-year Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan

The Local Government Unit of Tacurong through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, facilitated a planning workshop on the development of the City’s 6-Year Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan on August 5-6, 2013 at Edjin Pension House, Tacurong City.

Sixty (60) representatives of various agencies formulated plans for four (4) thematic areas of DRRM: prevention and mitigation; preparedness; response; and rehabilitation.

Participating agencies and organizations include: LGU-Tacurong, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Tacuron Search and Rescue Team (TRACER), Department of Education, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Joint Task Force Talakudong, 601^stBrigade-Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross, Notre Dame of Tacurong College, Rotary Club of Tacurong, and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. Representatives from the religious sector were also present.

The formulation of the Local DRRM Plan is a response to the national government’s call for efforts to make communities more disaster-resilient. In adherence to R.A. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, various sectors were involved in the planning workshop to come up with an integrated, comprehensive and proactive DRRM Plan for disasters such as flood, earthquake, fire, and human-induced disasters (i.e. bombing, hostage-taking).

“I believe each agency and organization is already implementing systems and plans for DRRM. Through this workshop, we are able to formulate a comprehensive plan wherein our efforts will be unified,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla. The City Mayor also serves as the CDRRMC Chairperson.

Outputs of the workshop shall be subject for review of CDRRMC and the City Planning Office to ensure that activities and programs for the four thematic areas are holistic. The Plan will also be integrated in the city’s local development plan.

The national government is keen in strengthening efforts for disaster-resilience given that the Philippines ranks 3^rd among 170 countries at risk of diffe

rent disasters based on the World Risk Index of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

 Jezereel Louise C. Billano (LGU-Information )