SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian distributed around 12,800 sacks of rice amounting to P16 million and other relief assistance to seven local government units (LGUs) affected by floods and landslides in Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Agusan del Sur.
The relief operation ceremony was held in Davao City on Feb. 17, together with the Valenzuela City government.
In his speech, Gatchalian urged different LGUs to improve their respective disaster preparedness programs to ensure the safety of each family and their homes.
“Sa gitna ng matinding sakuna na naranasan ng ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao, mahalaga ang ating pagkilos tungo sa mas pangmatagalang paghahanda. Panahon na para taasan ang antas ng kahandaan ng mga LGU, upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (In the middle of a tragedy experienced by Mindanaoans, it’s crucial that we move toward preparing sustainable measures. It’s time we elevate our level of preparation to maintain the safety of our people),” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian stressed that mitigation efforts for disasters might be enhanced if LGUs were provided with sufficient funds to build local infrastructure projects and give locals security and protection in times of calamities.
His Senate Bill No. 939, an act expanding the application of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, seeks to amend Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
He hoped the proposed action would provide “leeway for LGUs in implementing programs and projects that would further strengthen their disaster preparation, mitigation, response, and rehabilitation capabilities.”
The assistance given was also provided by the Office of the Senator and the local government of Valenzuela. It was distributed to affected municipalities in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Agusan del Sur.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
