88 LGUs in Central Visayas not prepared for flooding

CEBU, Philippines -  There are 88 local government units in Central Visayas that lack appropriate preparations for flooding.

This was according to the national profile on LGU Disaster Preparedness under the implementation of the Seal of Preparedness conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government -7.

DILG-7 Local Government Capacity Development Division chief Virgie Clapano presented the results of the assessment which results were based on four indicators; leadership structure, guidance to action, disaster preparedness, and partnership, volunteerism and innovation.

"We covered 88 cities, towns in Central Visayas based on the flood geohazard map provided by the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) of DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). The region has a total of 136 LGUs. Of the evaluated LGUs, none of them passed the assessment based on the indicators," Clapano explained.

Under the disaster preparedness criterion, only 20 of the 88 surveyed LGUs have activated rain or water level gauges or visual markers, 22 with audio signaling devices, 21 with evacuation alert system and 14 LGUs have a local policy on forced or pre-emptive evacuation enacted.

At the same time, under the technical competency, 51 LGUs have emergency response teams created, 50 have ERTs trained, eight have guides for emergency response teams specifying protocols,duties and responsibilities, and 51  LGUs have conducted simulation exercises conducted as part of the skills-training for the ERT.

23 LGUs also have flood evacuation guide for families.

Further profiling under the guide to action indicator noted that 54 LGUs were able to identify flood-prone barangays in their respective areas while 20 LGUs identified the population at risk for flood. 20 LGUs also noted families at risk for flood, 19 were able to pinpoint vulnerable or marginalized individuals and 16 LGUs have indicated community assets that are susceptible to the damaging effects of a flood.

In addition, 42 LGUs have hazard maps for flood while only 14 have vulnerability maps.

There are only 47 LGUs with institutionalized planning and budgeting preparations specifically approved under the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Plan while only 16 have contingency plans for flood and 52 have DRRM and climate change adaptation activities funded in the annual budget.

In Cebu, these LGUs include the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Carcar, Naga, Toledo, Danao as well as the towns of Pinamunjahan, Asturias, Catmon, Minglanilla, Dumanjug, Ronda, Balamban, San Remigio, Santander, Oslob, Boljoon, Argao, Cordova, Lilo-an, Consolacion and Bantayan. 

DILG-7 regional director Ananias Villacorta said that it is very easy to form the LGUs' Local DRRM but the challenge lies on the effective execution of the disaster preparedness plans.

The assessment recorded 59 of the 88 surveyed LGUs have an LDRRM officer either appointed or designated, 40 have personnel in charge for administration and training, 37 have someone assigned for research and planning as well as operations and warning.

 "The implementation of RA 10121 (Risk Reduction Management Act). Ang problema ang mu-head sa office. Kasagaran kay designated as head while having another permanent position like heading at the same time the planning and development office, an executive assistant to the mayor, or getting job order. There are proposals submitted to make the position permanent though an amendment of the law would be required to have the permanent position possible to solve the concern on budgetary constraint," Villacorta said.

The remaining LGUs that were not included in the flooding disaster preparedness assessment will be included in the planned assessment on earthquake, tsunami and landslide hazards to be conducted this year.  (FREEMAN)