The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spearheaded the “Tapatan” on Disaster Preparedness, a regional forum on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction on April 26, 2012 in Iloilo City. It was part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the disaster preparedness efforts of local government units in line with RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Targeting the local chief executives and Local Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) of 139 provinces, cities and municipalities in Region 6, the forum enriched the participants with information on weather forecasting and climate change adaptation, geologic hazards, policy framework of the national government disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, national DRR and management framework plan, enhancing LGU capacity on DRRM and CCA, and the national climate change action plan.
Key officials and representatives of national government agencies, civil society, academe, and multi-sectoral council were also present. The Secretary of the Local Interior and Local Government was present and delivered a message on how crucial disaster risk reduction efforts are to raise the country’s level of preparedness during calamities.
DILG Office of Public Affairs OIC-Director lawyer Ariel Tanangonan said during his message that the Philippines is among the global disaster hotspots and ranks 8th among countries that are most exposed to multiple hazards such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Undersecretary Proceso Domingo of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) presented the National DRRM Framework Plan of the Philippines. Ms. Thelma Cinco of the PAGASA discussed weather forecasting and data related to climate change.
Regional Director Loe Van V. Juguan of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region-6 presented geologic hazards and its impact and challenges on disaster reduction.
Geohazard maps and posters displayed at the lobby…
