The Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has collaborated with other concerned national agencies in a bid to further strengthen the region’s resilience against disasters.
DILG-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin cited the importance of the inter-agency coordination with the Philippines ranked first in the World Risk Index 2023, which measures the risk index of 193 United Nations (UN) member states.
As the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) vice-chairman, Agustin pointed out that the recent “Building Steadfast Resilience in Times of Disasters: Rollout Training and Presentation of Disaster Preparedness Manuals for NCR Local Government Units’’ aims to enhance adaptive capacities of all 17 local government units, “as continuous learning allows everyone to refine and adjust to different situations related to planning and disaster preparedness.’’
The DILG NCR field focal persons and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers (DRRMO), local functionary representatives and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) participants from the 17 Metro Manila (LGUs) graced the activity.
For the activity’s overview, DILG Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) chief Helen A. Verzosa said that the discussion points ranged from the rationalization of audits related to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management results, to various disaster preparedness initiatives, and the discussion of the Operation LISTO manuals.
She noted that the inputs in the events in the three-day activity were consolidated to craft strategies for the DILG-NCR initiatives moving forward.
During the first day, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Focal Person Mervin Angelo C. Tumada and Office of Civil Defense Officer III Mr. Marlon Henson B. Obligado discussed strategies in aiding local government units to achieve improved performance in both the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and Gawad Kalasag (GK) Results 2023.
Obligado stated the comparative assessment of the different regions as well as other notable observations that the LGUs can take into account coming into the next assessment period.
In the presentation of the DILG-NCR Disaster Risk Reduction Management Road Map, Tumada reiterated that having a strengthened partnership and sustained capacities and systems are among those that will drive successful collaboration efforts of NCR LGUs.
DOST-PHIVOLCS Science Research Specialist Nicole Jean Mercado, DOST-PAGASA Research Assistant Bernard Punzalan II and DENR-MGB Senior Geologist Marie Krystel D. Hugo discussed Meteorological, Hydrometeorological, Geological Hazards, Risks and Sources.
On the other hand, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Officer Luther B. Castuera and BFP-NCR Senior Fire Officer I Adrian F. Podolig stressed concerns on preparedness initiatives and response preparations management.
In the presentation on optimizing NCR LGUs for Enhanced Search and Rescue, Emergency Response, Fire Prevention, and Management, Podolig highlighted key strategies that can aid in resource optimization and effective coordination within local government units.
The Operation LISTO is an advocacy program that informs LGUs on disaster planning actions as well as local protocol and platforms for early preparedness, response, and monitoring duties.
The DILG-NCR emphasized that it continuously championed capacity development interventions and pioneered collaboration within key national government agencies in strengthening disaster preparedness.