The 26-member Quezon City council has given Mayor Herbert Bautista the green light to utilize the local disaster risk reduction management fund to support the various pre-disaster preparedness programs of the city government.
An enabling resolution has been approved and confirmed by the city council to implement the grant of authority to the Mayor for the mobilization of the LDRRMF that would enable the city government to further strengthen its disaster mitigation and preparedness capabilities.
The Mayor earlier requested the members of the council to consider the measure as a priority as he cited the need for the city government “to act now to prevent more lives from becoming victims of disaster in Quezon City .”
As provided under Section 21 of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010,” five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as local disaster risk and management fund to support disaster risk management activities, but not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines for post-disaster activities and for the payment of premiums on calamity insurance.
Mayor Bautista, since assuming office as city chief executive, has repeatedly stressed the urgency of strengthening the city’s pre-disaster preparedness program considering QC’s proximity to the valley fault line that passes through some barangays and subdivisions along the eastern boundary of the city.
The presence of the La Mesa Watershed and mass transport system also places QC at risk of disaster by becoming easy target of terrorist groups and criminal elements.
“Mayroong responsibilidad ang pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan. At hindi natin pwedeng isa-alang-alang na lang sa Diyos ang pagsagip sa kanila sa peligro,” Mayor Bautista said.
The city government is now in the process of strengthening its disaster-response capability to mitigate the ill-effects of calamities and other emergency situations on lives and properties. Chief among the city’s priorities will be the purchase of more rescue and relief equipment to effectively respond against any eventualities, be it man-made or natural. -30- Maureen Quinones, PAISO
