Friday, July 3, 2015

DILG and NYC formalize role of youth sector in disaster risk reduction management



Officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) have signed an agreement to formalize the participation of the youth sector in the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) activities of the local government units (LGUs).

This development followed Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas’ recognition of the strategic role of the youth in molding a resilient community and to fully realize the goals of the PDRRM in the local level.

In a joint memorandum circular signed by the DILG and the NYC, both agencies are enjoining all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay leaders and other disaster risk reduction management stakeholders to institutionalize the participation on the youth in climate change adaptation and other activities related to preparedness and disaster mitigation.

Commissioner Dingdong Dantes of the NYC said that he, on behalf of the NYC, is glad that DILG now recognizes them as part of the disaster preparedness activities in the local level.

"Ang kalamidad ay isa sa mga issues na majority ng ating kababayan ang naaapektuhan. Sa aming ninanais na makatulong, natutuwa kami dahil nakita ng DILG ang importansya ng kabataan sa paghahanda," Dantes said.

The LGUs are also expected to engage the youth sector as a legitimate member of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) in their community.

The youth group will represent the civil society organization in the LDRRMC to help the LGUs in disaster preparedness and other post-disaster activities including counseling of victims of tragedies.

National and local consultations conducted by the NYC revealed that prior to the signing of the MOA, the youth sector has already been participating in numerous activities related to disaster risk reduction management including community hazard mappings, search and rescue efforts, relief operations, climate change adaptation, and others.

However, lack of formal representation in the local level leads their efforts to an uncoordinated approach.

When a community lacks the active involvement of the youth at the local levels, addressing the problem during times of disasters will be uncoordinated, especially in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Through the joint memorandum circular between the DILG and NYC, the youth sector will be recognized as a legitimate member of the LDRRMC in their community. (DILG)

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