DILG says PH now more ready for floods

Monday 13th of August 2012

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said the county is now better prepared for floods and other calamities because of the improved capabilities of local governments on disaster readiness and prevention.

In a statement posted on the agency website (dilg.gov.ph), Robredo said local government units (LGUs), from the province up to the barangay level, are now more ready for floods because of continuous training, better equipment and coordination.

“Generally speaking, our LGUs now have better knowledge and capacities in the face of disasters as compared before,” he said.

However, the DILG Secretary said the challenge lies not only on the technical knowledge of LGUs, but on better coordination with the citizens.

“The government is doing its part with regard to disaster readiness. The public should do their part, too. The first half of the work is always with the government, and the other half is with the citizens,” he said.

“What we are trying to say to the public is that, ‘Hey, this is what we are doing. Tumulong rin naman kayo,’” he added.

Robredo said there is also now better coordination, cooperation and support among government and non-government agencies.

He cited the Association of Fire Volunteers, Quezon province and DILG Region 2 that were not hit by the monsoon rains and either helped during rescue operations or gave a helping hand to provinces that were severely affected by the floods.

“In times like these, we appreciate the support extended by the private sector and other LGUs who are always ready to reach out to the hapless victims of disaster,” he said.

At the same time, Robredo also lauded the efforts of the emergency responders, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), who toiled day and night to rescue those that were trapped in their homes and buildings during the height of the monsoon rains.

More than 260,000 families were forced to flee from their homes as torrential rains submerged Metro Manila and surrounding provinces recently. The monsoon rains, which dumped about 300 mm (12 inches) or three times the daily average of 80-100 mm, were the heaviest in three years, according to state weather bureau PAGASA. (DILG/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)