Butuan City – Anchored on the themes: “Preparedness Saves Lives” and “Kaluwasan sa Katalagman Kinahanglan Pangandaman”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII – Caraga resolutely push Local Government Units (LGUs), Regional Line

Agencies (RLAs), and other stakeholders for readiness in times of disasters, particularly water related disasters.

DILG Caraga’s Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness highlights the presence of Secretary Jesse M. Robredo for his Call to Action in disaster readiness and response and the signing of the Pledge of Commitment by the participants emphasizing the urgency and significance of placing disaster preparedness on top of the priority development agenda for LGUs as mandated under Department Circular 2010-143 dated December 9, 2010. The said circular also aimed at strengthening LGU capability, particularly the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRMCs). This is also pursuant to Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The event is also marked with the distribution of twenty-eight (28) Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and six (6) SALINTUBIG checks to recipient LGUs amounting to PhP 64.5 M. Another significant part of Tapatan is the MOA Signing of recipient LGUs in the waterless municipalities and barangays which were able to access the fund for the provision of potable water system under the SALINTUBIG or the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat Program.

Secretary Robredo unveils the Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP) to formally launch the Seal in Caraga Region. Robredo said that the Seal of Disaster Preparedness focuses on both operational and institutional capacity. This was followed with the Interfacing of the participants. Questions were DILG Director Lilibeth A. Famacion said, “It is not Batman or Superman who will save us in times of disaster but our readiness and preparedness to face it.” She said that being prepared for disasters prevents the eventuality of damaged properties and loss of lives.

Exhibits of DILG Caraga’s IEC materials were positioned on the event area showcasing Caraga region’s initiatives on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation with its anti-poverty programs and advocacies implemented. This was accompanied by exhibits of Office of Civil Defense, Municipality of Esperanza, City Government of Butuan, Ama Computer Learning Center, Philippine Red Cross and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

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