Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday, April 18, said he is in favor of the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

In an interview, Domagoso said he believes that the creation of DDR will help the country become more comprehensive and responsive in times of disasters and calamities.

“Yes, why not? If there’s a need to strengthen our capabilities ahead of time, why not? I will support it. Sa tingin ko kailangan na rin dahil alam naman natin na sa loob ng isang taon may bagyong darating ang tanong lang - kailan? Saan tatama? Pero tiyak na because the geographical location of our country historically laging may bagyo (I think it's necessary because we know that within a year there will be a typhoon, the only question is when and where will it hit. But it is certain because the geographical location of our country historically always has storms),” he said.

Aside from typhoons, Domagoso added that there are also earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that the country should be always prepared for.

“So, these are the things that may at least kailangan na sigurong maging department para wala nang gagawin ‘yon kundi maghanda, maghanda, at maghanda. Daig ng maagap ang masipag (needs to become a department so that there is nothing to do but to prepare),” he added.

Under the bill, the DDR will be “responsible, accountable, and liable for leading, managing, and organizing national efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks; prepare for and respond to disasters; and recover, rehabilitate and build forward better after the destruction.”

Building disaster-resilient mass housing projects and evacuation centers will also be one of his priorities if elected as president, Domagoso said.

“Ibig sabihin bato, mataas, matibay. Ano mang unos kahit papaano ligtas ‘yung bawat pamilyang naninirahan doon, tapos para naman i-secure na natin ‘yung nasa danger zone. Hindi mo naman masisisi ‘yung mga kababayan natin na mag turok nang magturok ng poste ng bahay nila sa hirap ng buhay syempre kahit na alam nila na may panganib susuungin nila ‘yon. Kaya, I think it’s high time to build such a facility (Meaning stone, high, and durable. Whatever the disaster, every family living there will be safe, then we have to secure those in the danger zone. You can't blame our compatriots for building houses there because of the hardships of life, of course, even though they know that there is a danger they will push through with it. So, I think it’s high time to build such a facility),” he said.