CDRRMC okay city’s updated earthquake, Hydromet contingency plans

The Summer Capital’s updated contingency plans for earthquake and hydrometeorological hazards were presented and approved subject to minor changes during the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting, October 21, at Mountain Lodge, presided by Acting City Mayor and CDRRMC chair Faustino Olowan.       

CDRRM Office and CDRRMC Secretariat head Antonette Anaban said that RA 10121, otherwise known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010”, it is the function of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) to manage the adverse effects of emergencies and carry out recovery activities in the affected area;

It mandates the LDRRMC to take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of any disaster and that the LGU shall facilitate and support risk assessments and contingency planning at the local level, she added.

Anaban disclosed that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and  National Security Council joint memorandum Circular No. 01 s.2016 provided guidelines on the formulation of contingency plans for natural and human-induced hazards in accordance with the prescribed Contingency Planning Guidebook.

Earlier this year, the CDRRMC conducted tabletop exercises and planning workshops on separate dates for earthquake and hydrometeorological hazards participated by CDRRMC members from the government and private sectors.

“Operational skills and capacities to implement strategic mechanisms were taken up during the workshops in order to improve the city’s response capabilities,” Anaban said.

Achieving climate and disaster resilience is one of the city government’s seven-point agenda. – Gaby B. Keith