Makati creates disaster management office, beefs up resiliency

Tuesday 3rd of July 2012

MAKATI CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The local government has taken its advocacy for climate and disaster resiliency to a higher level with the recent passage of City Ordinance No. 2012-037, creating the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

In a statement posted on its website, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the institutionalization of the DRRMO serves to strengthen the city’s ongoing advocacy for resiliency against all forms of hazards and disasters, whether natural or human-induced.

“The city government has prioritized the creation of the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to better ensure that our ongoing initiatives and future programs will constitute a holistic approach in managing and mitigating the impact of natural and human-induced hazards and disasters on the city and its stakeholders,” Binay said.

Under the said ordinance, the DRRMO mandate includes the establishment of community-based volunteer and rescue groups and strengthening of existing teams; raising public awareness and involvement of all sectors; networking and partnership with stakeholders in Makati and other LGUs; and integrating gender and vulnerable group-sensitive strategies during disasters.

An initial budget of P5 million has been approved by the city council for operational expenses, to be taken from the general fund. The DRRMO will consist of a disaster risk reduction and management officer, DRRM administration and training officer, DRRM research and planning officer, DRRM operations and warning officer, and other personnel who could provide the needed services.

Also, the Makati Command, Control and Communication Center (Makati C3) and Makati Rescue will be integrated under the Makati DRRM Office.

Makati was recognized by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction as “Role Model City” and “Campaign Champion for Making Cities Resilient” in May 2011, and as one of “East Asia’s Climate Resilient Cities” by the World Bank in 2008. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA NCR)