DILG-NCR Collaborates with National Agencies to Strengthen Disaster Resilience

Mirus Ponon

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has collaborated with various national agencies to bolster disaster resilience across Metro Manila. This initiative comes in response to the Philippines’ top ranking in the World Risk Index 2023, signifying the region’s disaster vulnerability. Led by DILG-NCR Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, the recent training event titled “Building Steadfast Resilience in Times of Disasters” aimed to equip local government units (LGUs) with enhanced disaster preparedness strategies.

The training, attended by DILG NCR field focal persons, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers (DRRMOs), and representatives from critical agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination in addressing evolving disaster challenges. The discussions revolved around audit rationalization, disaster preparedness initiatives, and implementing Operation LISTO protocols, focusing on early preparedness, response, and monitoring.

Helen A. Verzosa, Chief of DILG Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD), highlighted the need to consolidate insights from the training to formulate strategic disaster resilience initiatives. Notable presentations included strategies to improve LGUs’ performance in disaster response assessments like the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and Gawad Kalasag (GK) Results 2023.

Expert insights from agencies such as DOST-PHIVOLCS, DOST-PAGASA, and DENR-MGB shed light on meteorological, hydrometeorological, and geological hazards, underscoring the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation. Representatives from MMDA and BFP-NCR delved into preparedness initiatives, response management, and resource optimization strategies to ensure effective disaster response operations.

The Operation LISTO advocacy program emerged as a crucial aspect, providing LGUs with essential disaster planning protocols and local response frameworks. The DILG-NCR reiterated its commitment to advancing capacity development initiatives and fostering collaboration among national government agencies to fortify disaster preparedness and response capabilities across Metro Manila.