DSWD Gears Up for More Extensive Climate Change Preparedness

Bridge in Biliran destroyed by TS Urduja

With the recent devastations caused by Tropical Storms Urduja, Vinta, and Agaton, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) have to adjust up to such extreme weather events that are caused by Climate Change.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which is the lead agency tasked with handling disasters, preparation, recovery, and rehabilitation. This mandate was derived from RA 10121 or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 with the backdrop of the devastation caused by TS Ondoy.

The NDRRMC is chaired by the head of the Department of National Defense (DND) and co-chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

As co-chair of the NDRRMC, the DSWD is updating the protocols for the ever-changing dynamics of Philippine disaster preparedness and response.  

“So many Filipinos died because of natural calamities we should have been better prepared against. This 2018, we will work harder at improving our disaster preparedness mechanisms down to the community level, and we enjoin all local government units as well as our partners in the private sector to continue coordinating on programs, activities, and campaigns that will strengthen the Filipino people’s resilience against disasters,” DSWD Secretary Emmanuel Leyco said.

Acknowledging that Climate Change is here and that the most logical response would be to mitigate its effects and create disaster resilient communities together with sound planning and preparation, the DSWD is enhancing its ties with the Local Government Units (LGUs) since these are on the frontlines with regards to DRRM.

“It is also urgent to address other issues that contribute to the devastating impact of natural disasters. Among these issues are climate change and the necessity of good governance when it comes to addressing disaster management and relief programs,” Sec. Leyco said.

This would entail enhancing LGU capacities with regards to DRRM, Resilient Communities and participation of stakeholders all the way down to the community level. 

This can be achieved by a more aggressive information dissemination and education campaign down to the grassroots.