The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the improvement of policies, frameworks, plans, and programs that would enhance the earthquake preparedness of local government units (LGUs).
The three-year partnership particularly seeks to develop knowledge products to mitigate the impact of earthquake hazards, implement capacity development activities on risk-based local development planning, and optimize the use of the available resources to generate risk information for the local government sector.
During the ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement on April 19, Science and Technology Undersecretary and Phivolcs OIC Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. signified Phivolcs’ commitment to provide technical assistance to the LGA for the dissemination of Disaster Preparedness Manual, as well as the nationwide advocacy for the 3R—Risk Reduction and Resilience—for LGU Guidebook developed by Phivolcs.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, OCD Administrator, committed to actively participate in the development of disaster preparedness manual through consultations, validation workshops and field testing.
OCD will also provide recommendations based on standard national protocols to ensure the adoption of the manual.
For her part, LGA Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina emphasized that as the training arm of the DILG, it is LGA’s responsibility to increase LGU’s awareness when it comes to disaster risks. risk the country is.
Vecina pledged to continue to help build disaster-prepared communities.