LGUs to be assessed by DILG on disaster readiness

By Aurora J. Casimpan

Saturday 11th of August 2012

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here has announced that local government units (LGUs) will be evaluated using a new seal measuring the capability of LGUs in responding to calamities.

The said seal, launched by the department, will be used as gauge in the assessment of the 149 LGUs' disaster preparedness.

The assessment will be evaluated in two levels: preparedness before a disaster and response during the disaster.

DILG regional director Pedro Noval Jr said that LGUs need to pass the two levels of assessment to be conferred the seal of disaster preparedness.

He said that these units are aware of the criteria with their advocacy on the concept of disaster preparedness in the region since a regional roadshow with Secretary Jessie Rodredo was held last June.

DILG officials assigned in the six provinces, seven cities and 136 towns of the region will do the assessment where conferment will be done in October.

Focus of the assessment will be on leadership structure, guide to action, operational readiness and innovative practices.

Out of the assessment results, the government will establish interventions for a progressive capacity building among the LGUs in the region as well as determine performance gaps that need to be addressed. (PIA-8)