BAGUIO CITY, Feb 04 (PNA) — The Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera Regional Office (OCD – Cor) reports a more disaster resilient region in 2014.
There were no deaths reported last year from seven recorded weather disturbance cases in the region compared to the reports in 2013 with three deaths and 35 injuries.
In an interview on Wednesday, OCD – Cor Director Alexander Uy said a more empowered regional and local disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) councils resulted in a lesser number of casualties and damages during the occurrences of typhoons and emergencies in the region.
“Pro-active programs, services and advocacies resulted to zero-casualties during the occurrences of major weather disturbance in Cordillera last year,” Uy said.
All regional civil defense personnel were given the proper training and are already capable to respond to emergencies anytime.
The OCD had spearheaded 22 capacity building activities for local DRRM and also facilitated several local DRRM and contingency planning as requested by various local government units, region wide.
Uy said the OCD – Cor is looking forward to a more resilient Cordillera through the delivery of more capacity building programs and advocacies as well as on strengthening partnerships and bringing in more partners to DRRM and climate change advocacy efforts.
Uy disclosed that OCD is already focusing on the establishment of early warning and communication systems; preparation of regional DRRM plan and roadmap; and the strengthening of public and private partnerships as well as expanding the DRRM network in as many local communities as possible.
Uy called on the public to ensure that a year-round preparedness and DRRM efforts are instilled in their own homes, families and communities towards zero-casualty in any disaster, calamity or emergency. (PNA)