Holistic approach in dealing with disasters pushed

DAVAO CITY, July 4 (PIA) The chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XI urged disaster managers to come up with a holistic plan in dealing with any calamity that might hit their respective areas.

Speaking in the during the Semi-Annual Assembly of all provincial, city and municipal disaster risk reduction management officers here Thursday, Loreto Rirao, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense XI and chair of the RDRRMC  stressed that all action plans must be in accordance with the provisions of the Republic Act 10121, the law that strengthens government’s action against calamities.

He lauded the city provincial disaster managers of Digos City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, respectively for having able to present their accomplishments for the first semester and the plans the other six months of 2013.

However, Rirao pointed out that disaster plans must shift from focusing more on disaster response towards enabling the people to help themselves in times of calamities.

He also observed that several preparations were driven by the impact of typhoon Pablo.

Rirao said disaster managers must also give equal importance on other calamities that may hit the region like earthquakes and other catastrophes.

He appreciated disaster responders, who have trainings in handling earthquakes and fire incidents.

“We need to reach out to our constituents and find ways on how we can do a more holistic approach in dealing disasters.  We are DRRM officers.   We are not just responders.  Disaster response is just one component of the entire system,” Rirao said.

He said all actions must be based on RA 10121 so that the gaps in managing disasters will be addressed accordingly.

Representatives of line government agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police as members of the Technical Working Group were also present in the assembly.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte and Brig. General Herzon Depayso, deputy commander of the 10th Infantry Division also graced the activity.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)