Member agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) met on Thursday to discuss ways to enhance the government’s disaster response at the local and national levels.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. presided over the second Full Council Meeting of the NDRRMC in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Among those present were Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The NDRRMC, in a Facebook post on Friday, said the following were discussed during the meeting:

• Draft Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP) Formulation Guidebook;
• Draft Guidelines in the Formulation and Implementation of the Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP);
• Draft Revised Guidelines on the Implementation, Operation, and Turnover of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Evacuation Center Project;
• Draft Operation L!STO Disaster Preparedness Manual for Earthquake;
• Draft Operation L!STO Management of the Dead and Missing Persons Field Manual and Training Package.

The efforts to improve the country’s disaster response efforts are pursuant to the enactment of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The law also mandates the NDRRMC to craft a national DRRM plan that would serve as the national guide on how sustainable development can be achieved through inclusive growth while building the adaptive capacities of communities; increasing the resilience of vulnerable sectors; and optimizing disaster mitigation opportunities with the end in view of promoting people’s welfare and security towards gender-responsive and rights-based sustainable development.

Meanwhile, a public service continuity plan details how an organization will ensure it can continue to perform its essential functions during a wide range of emergencies.

Earlier, Teodoro said public participation in the quarterly Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) would provide participants with the necessary lifesaving skills should a major quake strike the country.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) presented the enhanced draft local DRRM plan guidebook under DRRM-Capacity Enhancement Project Phase 2 in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The document which will serve as a guide for the local government units (LGUs) in the formulation of their local DRRM plans was enhanced in consideration of international and national trends in DRRM; higher and local policies and plans related to sustainable development; long-term DRRM targets beyond the period of the plan; the changing residual risks with the implementation of the plan; and the synergy between and among LGUs, national government agencies, private, academe, and other stakeholders.

The guidebook tackles the preparation for the local DRRM planning; situational analysis; DRRM target setting; DRRM measures planning or the identification of projects and activities; preparation of local DRRM investment plan and supplemental investment program for the special trust fund; and the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan.

OCD also discussed the proposed guidelines in the formulation and implementation of the PSCP and the draft revised guidelines on the implementation, operation, and turnover of evacuation centers of DPWH.

During the meeting, Teodoro cited strategies on how agencies and other stakeholders can work together to ensure submission, compliance, and implementation of PSCP of various sectors.

PSCP is a step-by-step guide that focuses on the development of an agency-specific public service continuity plan. The goal is to ensure that any agency is able to withstand the adversity of disruptive events and continue to operate and sustain public service.

OCD in partnership with Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) launched the first edition on Sept. 30, 2020 while the second edition was launched on Dec. 7, 2022.

Meanwhile, the draft revised guidelines on the implementation, operation, and turnover of evacuation centers of DPWH is subject to revision following pressing concerns identified by the body.

Further, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented the draft Operations LISTO for Earthquake; and the draft management of the dead and missing (MDM) persons field manual and training package.

Salient features of the Operations Listo for Earthquake include the framework for Listong Pamayanan Laban sa Lindol; rationalization of local chief executive engagement; the checklist organization for early earthquake preparedness, pre-hazard preparedness, minimum critical preparedness, and early recovery; among others.

The department also presented the MDM field manual and training package consisting recommended systems and procedures to be used to strengthen coordination and collaboration between and among agencies involved in disaster response and MDM, and other related policies and standards.

The NDRRMC holds quarterly meetings to determine policies and courses of action relating to various concerns on the country’s DRRM endeavors. (PNA)