Jinggoy pushes for creation of Department of Disaster Resilience
Under Senate Bill 791, Estrada said that the proposed DDR would stand as the principal government body with "sufficiently high level of authority to lead the coordination, monitoring, oversight, and implementation of disaster risk reduction and management efforts' in the country.
The agency is also expected to provide a 'clear operational framework to address the fragmented institutional functions and actions among concerned agencies on climate change and disasters.'
It will also cover all natural and biological hazards, including typhoons, earthquakes, pandemics, volcanic eruptions, and other climate-related threats.
'Given how natural disasters can seriously affect our country's economic progress, it's important for the government to put in place long-term strategies and practical solutions to manage risks and help communities become less vulnerable,' Estrada said in a statement.
Aside from this bill, the senator also included in his priority measures for the 20th Congress the enactment of the Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, which seeks to establish a nationwide network of food banks and relief supplies for quick deployment during calamities and emergencies.
Under Senate Bill 2860, food and non-food items will be prepositioned at strategic areas housed in a calamity-proof and secure warehouse that will be jointly managed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The local stockpiles will contain non-perishable food, potable water, medical supplies, first-aid kits, power and light sources, tents, and communication devices.
The bill also requires stored items to have a minimum shelf life of two years, enough supplies to be maintained to support the local population for at least three weeks, and the use of a 'first-in, first-out system' to ensure timely use and replenishment of expiring goods.
'Relief efforts are often delayed because of access issues. These food banks will bring help closer to those who need it most, especially in hard-to-reach and island communities,' Estrada said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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