NDRRMC, NYC ink deal on youth participation in disaster risk reduction

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) on Tuesday signed an agreement that will strengthen the participation of young Filipinos in preparing for calamities.

The agreement seeks to  harness the skills and potentials of the youth before, during and after calamities beyond volunteering to pack relief goods.

The agreement was signed by NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama and NYC Commissioner-at-large and actor Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Dantes III in Camp Aguinaldo.

The signing was witnessed by NYC Commissioner Jose Rafael Cruz and Civil Defense Executive Officer Liza Cañada.

"This agreement signifies the commitment of the council and the Filipino youth to collaborate in undertaking DRRM (disaster risk reduction and management) and build safer, adaptive and resilient communities nationwide," Pama said. 

The agreement will cover the inclusion of the youth in DRRM system at the local government and other government bodies.

The NDRRMC and NYC will work together to organize, mobilize and train youth volunteers from community level with the help of civil society, government  agencies and international development patterns.

The Office of Civil Defense will recommend the official membership of the NYC in the council.

Dantes said there is a need to amend the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law to institutionalize youth participation in preparedness efforts.

"It is our primordial duty responsibility to ensure that the youth, as stakeholders of the future are prepared and trained as disaster responders," Dantes said.