Baguio: The Office of Civil Defense in the Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR) has called on local government units (LGUs) across the region to enhance their disaster preparedness initiatives, emphasizing that proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding both lives and property.
According to Philippines News Agency, OCD-CAR Regional Director and Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) Chair Albert Mogol highlighted the responsibility of local chief executives to comply with mandates under the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. These mandates require the development and implementation of comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.
Mogol reminded LGUs of their autonomy under the Local Government Code, underscoring the importance of crafting and executing effective disaster preparedness strategies. He also emphasized that disaster funds allocated by LGUs should be used appropriately rather than retained as savings.
The Cordillera region, which includes the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the cities of Baguio and Tabuk, consists of 75 municipalities in total. Mogol commended those LGUs that are proactively allocating additional resources to bolster their disaster preparedness efforts.
He disclosed that 175 disaster prevention and recovery projects, collectively valued at over PHP3 billion, are currently pending approval from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These projects include river embankments, farm-to-market roads, concrete pavements, and flood control rehabilitation initiatives. Mogol expressed optimism that these projects would commence soon, given that no severe typhoons are predicted for the remainder of the year.
In addition, OCD-CAR Finance Management Services chief Guadaliva Panitio urged newly elected mayors to incorporate disaster planning into their broader development agendas. She cited the Philippines’ ranking as the most vulnerable country globally on the World Risk Index, emphasizing the critical need for robust disaster preparedness measures.
