“Recent events show that the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to natural calamities. The Yolanda, the 7.2 magnitude Visayas earthquake, and the floods in Zamboanga after the September siege are all illustrating a very clear message – that we need to be more prepared if we are to save lives,” Ochotorena appealed.
Ochoterana shared that summits on climate change and disaster risk reduction management are being held by the DOST, in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the OCD to better inform the local chief executives on newer technologies to help the LGUs be more prepared.
“We want to help the mayors make the right decisions in preparing for any calamity – to enable them to better serve their constituents before, during and after the calamities,” he said.
Through these forums, the participants’ capacities are built to not only plan ahead, but to make the best decisions during times of emergencies, anchored on solid empirical and scientific basis. In these forums, the DOST has been introducing its new technologies to help the LGUs plan for disasters such as Project NOAH, hazard mapping, risk assessment and others.
Meanwhile, DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsia Dans emphasized the need for the ARMM towns to build alliances and pool resources, and improve their coordination between and among stakeholders.
“Our ultimate goal here is to have safer communities. We are brought here together so we can put our acts together to come up with strategic actions and responses whenever disaster strikes,” said Assec. Dans.