MAINSTREAMING DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

“Building Disaster Resilient LGUs and Communities”

Brief Description

The program seeks to build capacities of local governments and communities to withstand the threats and adversities brought by natural hazards and man-made emergencies through the strong advocacy of incorporating disaster mitigation and preparedness as core part of local government plans, budgets and policies. While so doing, it is also equally important that LGU initiatives on DM are documented and good practices can be replicated. The project also seeks to strengthen the capacity of LGUs in developing tools and mechanisms to raise public awareness on how to manage potential risk and provision of incentives for deserving Local Disaster Coordinating Councils ( LDCCs).

Rationale of the Program

By virtue of RA 6975 “ Rules and Regulations Implementing the DILG Act of 1990”, the Department is mandated to develop programs that will enable local governments prepare for and respond to emergencies arising from natural and man-made disasters.

Under a decentralized set up, local governments have the primary responsibility of ensuring the general welfare of its constituents by providing the necessary basic services at all times. LGUs are mandated under the LGCode of 1991 to develop plans and implement programs that will meet emergencies brought about by natural and man-made disasters. Hence, this project is being carried out by the DILG through BLGD.

 

Expected Outcomes

It is expected that through the program, substantial reduction of disaster losses; in lives and in social, economic and environmental assets of communities and local governments can be realized. Likewise, improve the delivery of basic services to local constituents before, during and after a natural hazard occurs in the locality.

 

Goals

Specifically, the program intends to achieve the following:

  1. Integration of disaster risk reduction into development policies, into plans and budgets of local governments
  2. Develop and strengthen capacities of local institutions and mechanisms to build resilience to hazards
  3. Ensure the systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs at local levels
  4. Best practices are documented and shared with other local governments having similar hazard exposure/s

 

Program Components

  1. Policy development. Policies will be reviewed and developed to guide LGUs on impeding threats and prepare for natural and man-made hazards.
  2. Development of tools to improve local capabilities. The Bureau in coordination with concerned agencies shall introduce relevant tools for enhancing capabilities of LGUs and communities on disaster risk management aspects.
  3. Documentation of Best Practices on Disaster Management. With the rich experience of Philippines in handling disaster events, lessons learned from past disaster episodes shall be documented and shared with other local governments for their appreciation and possible replication.
  4. Advocacy and Information Campaign. IEC materials shall be developed to inform local governments on hazard types and developments on DRM.
  5. Incentive Awards . The Department as Chair of the National Selection Committee of the Search for Excellence in Disaster Management: “ Most Outstanding Local Disaster Coordinating Councils”, shall continue to recognize best efforts in DRM through annual citations, and/or awarding.”

 

Suggested Priorities for Local Action

  1. Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a local priority with strong institutional basis for implementation ( local legislations, institutional support mechanisms)
  2. Identify , assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning
  3. Ensure participatory disaster management planning and integrate in local plans and budgets.
  4. Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at local levels
  5. Reduce the underlying risk factors in the locality by developing multi-hazard maps
  6. Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response through active peoples/community participation at local levels

 

POLICIES ISSUED

DILG DBM Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2003-1 dated March 20, 2003 “Use of Local Calamity Fund Appropriation for Man-Made Disaster Relief and Mitigation”

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2003-2 dated July 24, 2003 “Clarificatory Guidelines on the Use of the 5% Local Calamity Fund”

Memo Circular No. 2004-170 “Requiring all Local Governments to Prepare Relief and Rehabilitation Plans”

Memo Circular No. 2004-173 Preparing for the El Niño Phenomenon dated December 23, 2004

Memo Circular No. 2004-166 “Forest Management”

Memorandum No. 03, s. 2006 “Observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month” Theme: Itaguyod and Kaunlaran ng Bayan, Kalamidad ay Paghandaan

Comments to Proposed Bill Entitled “ An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Management Capability, Appropriating Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes”

Legal Opinion on the legality of Issuing an Executive Order or an NDCC Memorandum Requiring Mandatory Conduct of Earthquake Drills in all Public Buildings dated July 4, 2006

Comments on Proposed Bill No. 960 “ Requiring all LGUS to Set-Aside Areas for Mandatory Bamboo Planting and for Other Purposes” sponsored by Hon. Benasing Macarambon Jr.

Memorandum Circular No. 2006 - “ Suspension of Classes During Inclement Weather and Other Calamities”