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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos says LGUs can combat calamities with latest disaster preparedness scheme

Abalos says LGUs can combat calamities with latest disaster preparedness scheme

Published Nov 20, 2023 10:20 am

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (MB FILE PHOTO)

Local government units (LGUs) can utilize modern strategies for disaster preparedness and response to prevent catastrophic effects in their respective jurisdictions, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. said. 

“We, in the DILG, are one with DOST (Department of Science and Technology) in this remarkable initiative of showcasing the latest technology and tools for disaster preparedness and response, which the LGUs can use in their respective localities,” Abalos noted.

Abalos made the statement during the DOST ‘HANDA Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Exposition 2023, which is the first DRRM technology exposition in the Mindanao leg.

The DILG Region X said that this development ‘reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capacities of local government units’ in the region.

In a message delivered by DILG-Region 10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, Abalos underscored the importance of responding to the call of coming together in synergy to combat the increase of climate-related challenges. 

With Mindanao being susceptible to disasters and hazards, Sunga emphasized that it is imperative that the LGUs are equipped with the most innovative tools and knowledge to protect the lives and livelihoods of each and every citizen.

Being the National DRRM Council (NDRRMC) vice-chair for disaster preparedness, the DILG noted that it has ‘relentlessly been partaking in the cause through its own initiatives and programs, such as, but not limited to: Operation LISTO advocacy program, Emergency Operation Centers during disasters, and Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), among others.’

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that “From Victims of Disasters to Victors” is how the DOST envisions to re-brand Filipino resilience. 

Despite the country remaining as one of the most vulnerable nations to the adverse impacts of climate-related challenges, Solidum highlighted that everyone must see it as an opportunity to change the narrative to progress.

“Disasters happen when we, as a government, as a community, and as individuals, fail to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, and prepare for these natural hazards. Disasters occur when we fail to make use of available and reliable scientific information to guide our planning, decision-making, and action,” Solidum asserted.

Through harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation, Solidum pointed out that Filipinos can foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, with research and development as the cornerstone, which led to the creation of HANDA Pilipinas.

The HANDA Pilipinas 2023 expo, which brought together government officials, experts, and practitioners in the field of disaster risk reduction and management, successfully featured a wide array of exhibits, forums, tech pitching sessions, training modules, and workshops on various critical topics.

Through the collaborative efforts of the DOST, DILG and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the sessions created a productive environment where knowledge exchange and networking opportunities thrived, encouraging the reinforcement of national and local initiatives toward a more resilient community.

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