DILG creates disaster preparedness manual for the barangays
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has set up a program that provides barangays with manuals to guide them on appropriate and adequate response to various levels and phases of disasters.
Dubbed as “Kap is Ready,” the DILG explained that it is a comprehensive manual anchored in “Operation L! STO’’ and society which contains protocols regarding the operations and decisions in times of natural or man-made calamities.
"This will serve as the liaison to the barangay officials and the municipality to fulfill their crucial duty in disaster risk management and mitigation," the DILG statement read.
With the call to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change planning in local planning, the DILG earlier launched the “Listo si KAP (Komunidad at Punong Barangays)’’ program to the President’s call for a safer and disaster-resilient communities.
“The DILG recognizes that mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in local planning is critical in ensuring that risks and vulnerabilities at the community level are addressed,” Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla said.
“Proper land use planning is crucial in determining how communities develop and in reducing their vulnerability to hazards like floods, landslides, and storms,” he added.
The DILG explained that the Listo si KAP program is a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response framework tailored for the barangays.
Building on the multi-hazard response plan “Operation Listo,’’ the DILG noted that the “Listo si KAP’’ provides barangays with protocols to help them better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
It added that the initiative promotes heightened vigilance during the pre-disaster phase, outlines critical actions for imminent hazards, and guides communities in conducting post-disaster needs assessments.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-035, the DILG designated the existing Barangay Development Council as the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Council, responsible for approving the Barangay DRRM Plan and recommending emergency measures such as preemptive evacuation.
The Barangay DRRM Committee (BDRRMC), meanwhile, will function as the LDRRM Office tasked with crafting and executing disaster risk management programs at the barangay level.
Among the BDRRMC’s responsibilities during the preparedness phase are the conduct of regular disaster drills, ensuring the availability of emergency equipment and supplies, and auditing critical infrastructure.
During the response phase, barangays must activate operations centers, manage evacuation sites, and coordinate search and rescue efforts.
“Post-disaster, BDRRMCs are also expected to assist in damage assessment, rehabilitation efforts, and engage various sectors in crafting sustainable recovery solutions,’’ the DILG said.