Region 2 disaster council kicks off disaster consciousness month observation

By Oliver T. Baccay

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

TUGUEGARA CITY, July 4 (PIA) –- Members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) region 2 have joined the fun walk and mass as kickoff activities for the month-long observation of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in the region.

Norma Talosig, council chair and Office of Civil Defense regional director, said series of activities in line with the disaster risk reduction and management, particularly on preparedness and mitigation were already calendared for the whole month in partnership with the different frontline agencies.

“This fun walk and mass will just take-off our activities. Majority of the activities prepared are more on information and advocacy campaign to keep the people aware, educated and prepared on any disaster related eventualities,” Talosig stated.

Among the activities lined-up are conduct of earthquake and fire drills to be led by the Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health and Philippine Red Cross. Fora on basic first aid and protocols in declaring suspension of classes during typhoons as well as the pre-emptive evacuation will also be held with the Philippine Information Agency as lead.

Talosig said the best way to mitigate and reduce risks of any disaster is to make people prepared on any eventuality and to protect them from any vulnerabilities.

She said one of the advocacies of the council now is to capacitate and strengthen further the local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs) to be able to respond to any disaster within their area of responsibilities.

She further encouraged Local Government Units to adopt the new law, RA 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which requires all LGUs to establish their own DRMM office with officer in-charge. (OTB/PIA-2)