Learn From Ondoy, Prepare Do Not Just Be Reactive – Loren

ONE YEAR AFTER ONDOY, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA APPEALED TO ALL CONCERNED AGENCIES OF GOVERNMENT INCLUDING THE NDCC, DOST, PAGASA, DA, MMDA, DPWH, DILG AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO BE PRO-ACTIVE IN REDUCING THE RISK OF DISASTERS.
“Let us be better prepared before the onslaught, rather than react after the catastrophe has swept the country. The threats of climate change do not have to turn into disasters.”
The Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change called for the convening of the LEDAC to make sure that the efforts of the Senate is consistent with the priorities of the Executive.
“Aside from scaling up our investments for improved weather forecasting let us explore alternative ways by establishing stronger international collaborations with governments who are willing to help our country improve our disaster risk management efforts either through grants or scholarship trainings.”
During this morning’s legislative inquiry, Legarda cited that the NEMA of Korea or the Korea National Emergency Management Office has expressed its willingness to extend grants and scholarships to countries in Asia for disaster risk reduction.
“Australia’s Disaster Management Office has also provided grants to the Indonesian government.”
“Why is the Philippines not availing of these assistance?”
“Is it because, we are not asking?”
Legarda concluded, “There should be greater synchronization and synergy among all the different government bodies to unify efforts and maximize each other’s potential in preparing for future disasters.”