NDRRMC wants disaster resiliency department under Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) under the Office of Civil Defense is hoping for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resiliency during the Marcos administration.

NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal, speaking at yesterday’s Laging Handa public briefing, said the law establishing such agency is currently being discussed in Congress.

According to him, the proposed law creating the disaster resiliency department has already passed third reading at the House of Representatives and is now at the Senate.

“We are excited for our next set of senators to further improve the proposal,” Timbal said, hoping for the passage of the law soon.

He declared that the NDRRMC will continue to push for the disaster department law that will strengthen the country’s disaster management system.

Timbal said much has been achieved during the past years with the continuing improvements in the disaster response capabilities of the national government and local government units (LGUs).

At present, he said the NDRRMC is able to make pre-disaster assessments even before a typhoon hits the country during which prepositioning of relief items, readying of search and rescue teams, equipment and others are carried out.

Timbal said LGUs are also able to respond faster than before due to the proper use of hazard maps to ensure safety of residents particularly in danger areas.

He added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program is also helping, as new Black Hawk helicopters and ships are assisting in disaster response operations.