ANDA, Bohol, Dec 7 (PIA) — Pegging a milestone in disaster and risk reduction, the Regional Development Council for Central Visayas pushed for the institutionalization of permanent and competent Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) councils and offices, during its recent full council meeting at Bugnaw Si-e Resort in Anda, Bohol.
Through its support for the enacvtment of the Magna Carta for Public Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Workers, the RDC led by Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has manifested its position on the necessity of providing for the welfare of DRRM practitioners.
The move also supports the establishment its rights and privileges and institutionalization of their duties and obligations in cognizance of their crucial role and dedication in managing and reducing risks associated with disaster.
As the Philippines tops 193 countries in the World Risk Report in terms of disaster risk reckoned against vulnerability and exposure to natural hazards, in 2000-2019, the country also ranked fourth in Global Climate Risk Index, as to the GermanWatch.
“Being exposed to natural hazards due to its geographical location, and the accumulation of impacts of disasters resulting to loss of lives, damage to public and private infrastructure and properties, interruption in socio-economic activities and the regression of its development gains, the Philippines could benefit from the strengthening of local government capacities in DRRM,” argues Boholano Private Sector representative to the RDC, Argeo Melisimo.
Citing the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 or the Republic Act 10121, on the state policy in recognizing local risk patterns and strengthening capacities of LGUS for DRRM through decentralized powers, responsibilities and resources at the regional and local levels, Melissimo, who heads the RDC Development Administration Committee pointed out that the National DRRM Plan of 2020-2030, authorities saw the need to review the implementation of the law.
Here, authorities noted issues on the functionality of the DRRM Offices, unfilled DRRM positions due to personnel services’ limitations, lack of capable DRRM staff and some gaps in standardized training modules, thus the need for the enactment of the magna carta for DRRM practitioners to prioritize the institutionalization of permanent and competent DRRM councils and offices.
As the proposed Magna Carta for Public DRRM workers seeking to promote the well-being of DRRM practitioners, their skills and capabilities’ development, and the entry and retention of DRRM practitioners in government has now been filed in Congress, the RDC DAC, also recognized the need to provide welfare for DRRM practitioners, establish their rights and privileges and
institutionalize their duties and obligations in cognizance of their critical role and dedication in managing and reducing disaster risks.
For this, the Aumentado-chaired RDC Full Council on December 5, pushed for the enactment of the Magna Carta for public DRRM workers, in a resolution.
Moreover, Aumentado said the resolution would be sent to the Senate and House of Representatives of the 19th Congress, for consideration. (RAHC/PIA-7/Bohol)
