Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said on Thursday (July 12 that 70 to 80 percent of the country’s more than 1,700 local government units (LGUs) are prepared in case typhoons and other disasters strike their communities.

Robredo’s statement was part of the report he rendered to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the National Capital Region (NCR) “Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation,” held at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The President was the guest of honor and speaker during the one-day forum spearheaded by the DILG National Capital Region ( NCR ).

Robredo reported that 92% or 1,580 of the LGUs have their own area-wide warning and alarm system, 78% or 1,334 LGUs have organized their emergency response, rescue and medical teams, while 86% or 1,473 have put up their evacuation centers.

He also reported that 6,775 LGUs including the barangays have formed their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs), whereas 2,739 LGUs have functional DRRM plans.

Amid the continuous effort of the DILG in conducting the Tapatan, the NCR Tapatan being the 13th forum held nationwide, the DILG chief is optimistic that more LGUs are implementing measures to make their communities disaster resilient.

“It is my fervent hope that in the coming months more LGUs will come out to say, “we are ready,” said Robredo.

The DILG secretary said his Department had launched the “Seal of Disaster Preparedness” as an incentive for LGUs that have demonstrated exemplary performance in carrying out the government’s disaster preparedness and climate change program.

“Before the year ends, we will be awarding the seal to deserving LGUs,” he added.

DILG Central News Archive DILG Regional News Archive