Whats Next After RA10121? (Going to the Next Level for DRR)

Since 2010 when RA 10121 was approved and was implemented there are lot of improvements that it achieved for our country’s DRR-CCA goals.?The need for having LDRRMO in all local government units, allowing LGUs to use their LDRRMF (Calamity Fund prior 2010) and divide it to 70/30, awareness and importance was raised in all levels of government including the society and a lot more.

????????By 2011 onwards our country still experience various major disasters like Typhoon Pedring (2011), Pablo (2012), Yolanda (2013), Glenda (2014), Lando (2015), Ompong (2018), Ulysees (2020), Maring (2021), Odette (2021), Bohol Earthquake (2013), Taal Eruptions, Human Induced Conflicts and the COVID19 pandemic.

????????Even with the existence of RA 10121 and with all its improvements still our people and government personnel in charge to these kind of disasters still encountered a lot of difficulties in communications, response, mobilization, utilization of funds, coordination, information, water source, power source, medical supplies, detecting system, alarm and warning system, recovery, pre evacuation procedures, access for funds for pre-positioning of resources, standard human shelter/camp, food supplies, appropriate life-saving equipment, proper personnel protective clothing for response personnel, standard trainings for the response personnel and many more.

????????Only a few LGUs were able to improve right after RA 10121 its mainly due to fund availability and with LCEs determination to improve their DRR. Majority of the LGUs were not able to catch up mainly because of funding issues and conflicting policies on the utilization of LDRRMF which lead to non creation of LDRRMO, no effective EOCs or command centers, lack of personnel, lack of training, lack of equipment, vehicles & personnel protective clothing, lack of facilities and resilient and redundant communications and power (ICT).

????????This paper is an attempt to contribute for our country to move forward and improve more in the field of DRR-CCA.?It is all based from actual experience when I was in the government and all the views and suggestions from different friends all over the country who are members of the National Association of LDRRMO.

????????Before I break down all suggestions and recommendations, I am for the creation of a new DDR to replace the name Office of Civil Defense to give it more power, funding, department level, additional personnel and capabilities.?But since our country is facing an economic crisis due to the effects of the pandemic, I still believe that this can be done with minimal cost initially until such time that our economy is stable already.?Initially, policies can be improved, consolidated and aligned, its structure and organization can be re arranged, funding allocation and access can be improved, LDRRMOs can have magna carta, LGUs will be compelled to create their LDRRMO, CSC can help create LDRRMO positions along with its needed support staff, Interoperability among government, private and CSOs can be required and standards can be set up for all to follow.

Here are some comments from the proposed DDR Bill still pending. There were 2 versions that was mostly circulated to DRR-CCA practitioners and I was lucky to read and made some comments. In this article I will not be able to break down every part that catches my attention but I will provide some that is most important in my point of view since I was a former Local DRRMO Head and a President of the Association in Metro Manila.

d.?LDRRMO

Functions:

vii.?Prepare and submit to the local sangguniang through the LDRRMC the annual LDRRM Plan, the proposed programming of the LDRRMF….?(annual LDRRM Plan makes it a short term plan being made by LGUs in which it is much appropriate to have at least a short term, mid term and long term plan to achieve a goal of reducing risk. It should be at least a 5-9 year plan and if necessary update the LDRRM Plan if needed or if new hazards and risks arise. 1 year plan means planning is short term.)

(2) Organizational Structure of the LDRRMO….. The Level of Organization must be….(the problems up to this day on making the designation being too general or open for LGUs interpretation and problem with PS Cap makes a lot of LDRRMOs not being permanent or LGUs not creating an office or department or LGUs downgrading their LDRRMOs which is not appropriate to the size and readiness an LGU must have…most highly urbanized city?and provinces requires more personnel and bigger department or responsibilities.) pursuing this line of requirement will not solve the present situation of most LGUs in their creation of the office and the plight of the over worked and under paid/under SG. It should at least specify it already.

Now, as part of Gawad Kalasag GEMS checklist is for LGUs to have a proper ratio with its population when it comes to number of personnel, vehicles and equipment. The problem mostly encountered by LGUs is their PS Cap and/or availability of funds and the present JMC 2014-01 in the establishment of LDRRMOs gives an open choice for LGUs on the level of LDRRMO and it only signifies 4 important position which does not include other supporting position in order for the LDRRMO to fully execute their responsibilities under RA10121.

Local Government Units?????????????????????????Head of LDRRMO

????????Provinces????????????????????????????? Department Level

????????Special Cities?????????????????????????????????Department Level

????????Highly Urbanized Cities????????????????Department Level

????????Component Cities????????????????????????? Division or Department

????????1st – 3rd class Mun????????????????????????Section Level

????????4th – 6th class Mun????????????????????????Section Level

The mandatory plantilla for regular staff should already be made clear that their responsibilities are specific and not dual. In order for the department level be clear for LGUs the staffing positions should be clear (CSC should help in creating various positions or plantilya with the assistance of Office of Civil Defense, DILG and some LGU representative coming from the LDRRMO):

1.????Administration

2.????Training

3.????Research

4.????Planning

5.????Operations

6.????Warning

7.????Information Management System

·?????By specifying that these staff positions are specific task & responsibility in nature, it complies with the Incident Command System policy that no position with dual function and at the same time in order to be a department level there should be at least?4 Divisions

·?????Likewise, this JMC or a new law should also at least mention other types of position which all LDRRMOs have and should have in order to fully function (this will also improve their services and ready for devolution transition plan) :

Ex. Under Operations

1.????Rescue Technicians (3 Tiers Rescue Technician 1 to 3)

2.????Fire Technicians ( 3 tiers)

3.????EMTs (3 tiers)

4.????EOC Manager

5.????ICT Support

6.????ICT Officer

Ex. Under Warning (which are usually manning the EOC required by the law)

1.????CCTV Operators

2.????Radio Dispatchers

3.????Call Agents

4.????PIO

5.????Alert & Warning Notification Technician

Other support Staff such as:

1.????Instructors or Training Officer

2.????Admin Aide

3.????Logistic Officer

3?Budgetary Requirements:???it should not mention only 5 mandatory positions which limits LGUs in creating the needed positions for their LDRRMOs to function properly but provide a guide for other positions that needed to be considered and a ready plantilya guide to assist LGUs in creating such office and position.

NOTE: If issues on PS Cap will not be resolve, we can find another solution wherein all Main Officers of the LDRRMO shall be under the National Agency and all their salaries will come from the National. This option can also minimize the training expenses being provided yearly to Local DRRMOs specially when there is a change of administration in the local setting. Since whenever there are changes in the local, new officers are being assigned and thus it requires for these people to be trained and thus training starts from zero once again, the path for growth is affected and experience is being wasted in the local.

CHAPTER VII

C. Following Functions

1. Establish city or municipal branches or accredit existing LGU run and managed Training Centers that complies with the RTC requirements….. (to encourage LGUs with big budget to establish standard training facilities wherein the National can provide the standard manuals for training in management and response skills)

Section 27.?Emergency Management….

The Authority in cooperation with…..as first disaster responders and shall follow the Incident Command System in managing the disaster or emergency.

Again, this is just some of my personal opinion on the DDR Bill still pending but I truly believe that it still needs to be shared for suggestions with other stakeholders involving Local DRRM Officers in the country and CSOs.

The next part of this article, I will give some opinion and suggestions with the existing Operation Listo Manual being used by LGUs specially on DRR issues for inclement weather or typhoon. This version in my opinion is crafted mainly for typhoon purposes and not yet including other types of disasters or major emergencies which I hope a new version will include those concerns.

I made some of these comments in 2018 on Listo's version planned to be released by that year. There maybe some additions already but most of my comments suggestions mentioned here are still applicable and hopefully be considered for improvements.

On Page 10

·?????Pass an executive order creating the composition of Incident Management Team (IMT) with corresponding qualification (the composition of an IMT is flexible… it is used depending on the needs, type of disaster or emergency and an IMT can also be created either small or big composition again depending on the nature or type of disaster. What is doable is for an EO requiring the LDRRMO to assign or organize an appropriate IMT for a particular or specific incident whenever it is needed.

·?????Pass an executive order assigning key positions in IMT (again the LCE can not assigned immediately or fix key positions in IMT because it can create problems or confusions once the assigned?key IMT position is not present or sick or dead. What is possible is the LCE shall indicate?in his EO?indicating what the Office of Civil Defense also follow like for the one in charge for peace and order/security?PNP, for Fire BFP and for natural calamities and technological disasters LDRRMO and ordering these offices to organize an IMT specific for the task which is a composite or well represented by different offices or agencies as needed to accomplish the task.)

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BUILD COMPETENCIES

·?????As government agencies – we should try to promote other government training institutions or agencies or LGUs who can also provide training or seminars in which we are ensured that the standards are properly given in order to achieve familiarity and similarity among LGUs. (But first established a training standards not only for management or operations type training but also for various response skills in fire, rescue & medical field) – Encourage LGUs to establish training facilities if they have the budget.

?·?????There should be NO MONOPOLY of training --- as long as it is accepted and recognized by Office of Civil Defense or National Agency that provide such standards and internationally. At this time of age, there are a lot of LGUs and Govt agencies who can provide such training & the needed facility. The lead Agency should make a policy encouraging such entities to invest to a proper training facility and they can be guided by providing them various standard manuals on various types of trainings which are not only focused on management type of training;

Note: pls indicate that these are just some basic equipment, supplies that needs to be purchased or acquire but there are other supplies and equipment and materials not indicated here or missed out.?The danger is this document can be used against to any LGU who possibly needs an equipment, supplies or materials not indicated here and might have problem with their local COA. There should be a wider considerations from COA on the type of equipment, system, vehicle or facility an LGU needs.

·?????For stockpiling – emergency medicines of greater value or importance might be needed to specific hazards like “Leptospirosis” that needs to be stockpilred esp for their local responders; FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES: due to wear and tear and 24/7 usage, break kit, clutch kit, engine oil and ATF are needed instantly to ensure continuity of service by those vehicles

Note: pls indicate that these are just some basic equipment that needs to be purchased or acquire but there are other equipment not indicated here or missed out.?The danger is this document can be used against an LGU who possibly needs an equipment not indicated here and might have problem with their local COA. This document must not limit any LGUs in acquiring advance and modern technology used in other countries. COA needs to understand that there are other systems and equipment that are being used in other countries. Achieving modern advancements should always be encouraged and not hanpered.

·?????On 911 hotline number – until now esp in NCR, we are still waiting on how they can connect our existing telephone line in receiving 911 calls (switch mechanism is not yet provided or suggested in order for 911 calls coming from a specific LGU will drop or received from the LGU EOC or OpCen; This setup is ideal to have 1 number for emergency but ICT group should assist on how to connect such calls to specific LGU concerned and a common Computer Aid Dispatch system used by all but it should be made in such a way that it can still function on analog and digital capability to catch up with the NextGen 911 but we should not rely on it too much since TELCOs usually are bogged down whenever there is a big disaster since NextGen 911 is too dependent on Cloud Computing and internet.?

PART II

Checklist on minimum critical preparations….

Note: as I have mentioned during the first version of LISTO was created, these guidelines should be well guided and explained that the color alert is just a start of their preparations.??Knowing their terrain or area is important and since this is based on wind strength – the color coding, it is a little tricky and dangerous just to use this.?

WHY? A good example is Tropical Storm Ketsana or ONDOY, when it enters land NCR is just Signal #1, so if we just follow that kind of color warning – it is DISASTEROUS.???If we follow this, NCR might fall under YELLOW color since NCR was under signal #1 but the rain it brings is too much. Such factor that contributed to this is – it falls under Habagat season.

Page 28

Suggestion: Pls input – purchase or acquire necessary equipment or supplies or materials needed based from PDRA of the council as part of the pre positioning and readiness since there will be no time to acquire it after a BIG HIT or flooded already devastated an area.

Again, there is a need to revisit LISTO and also train the LGUs on how to interpret and understand LISTO.

A.???Lessons from Typhoon Maring & Ulysees and How to Prepare for the Next Flooding

In the past few years there were incidents wherein local chief executives or LGUs would claim that they were not given the necessary warning for them to decide for pre evacuation and that the sudden flooding, flashfloods and landslides were not anticipated. At the same time, most LGUs in the provinces rely heavily on the LISTOs Alpha-Bravo-Charlie graphic warning given to LGUs whenever there is an incoming storm or typhoon. Since it based mostly on the wind strength of a cyclone, those LGUs that fall under the Alpha warning usually does not anticipate any major problems. One can see in the past like during Ulysses:

LGUs that fell under the yellow part – experienced major flooding. Similar to TS Maring wherein majority of those who died were due to flashfloods in Ilocos Sur at 14, and landslides in Benguet at nine. The others were in the following provinces: Cagayan, two; Palawan, four; and Pangasinan, one.?

Again, in this instance some LGUs claim that they were not given the proper info or data for them to decide to take the necessary actions.

Although LISTO is not entirely at fault here, it just provide some false sense of security to LGU officials by knowing their LGU is only under the yellow or Alpha area warning or even Bravo (Orange). The amount of expected rain per hour were actually provided in this warning : Alpha Moderate to Heavy, Bravo Moderate to heavy and Charlie Heavy to Intense.?So why does LGUs still fail to decide to evacuate or prepare?

Why did LGUs Fail to Prepare or Decide to Evacuate?

Possibilities:

-??????Failure to have a proper assessment on the risks and possible scenarios of their own locality for them to decide whether preemptive or mandatory evacuation will be ordered. It’s either they don’t have the proper Hazard and Risk Maps of their own locality or enough historical data to be used to compare and assess with PAGASA’s real time data, Static Data, Meteo-Data /Forecasts provided.

-??????It is also possible that no one is trained or capable to do the analysis or assessment in order to recommend to the LCE the decision to take;

-??????It is clear in LISTO’s guidance that within 48 hrs they should convene and discuss various preparations and decisions to take but it clearly shows they failed to appreciate the information provided to them thru PAGASA warning or OCDs warnings – although the color coding LISTO used in Alpha (Low Risk), Bravo (Med Risk) and Charlie (High Risk) should not be practiced anymore since it gives confusion on deciding the risk an LGU will be facing;

-??????LISTO’s color coding warning should not be taken as it is since LGUs vary in their capacity and level of risks which is highly dependent on its surroundings/environment/terrain features – thus a yellow or Alpha warning does not necessary mean that their LGU is in Low Risk – But LGUs need to be able to analyze the present data provided and their own historical data and hazard/risk maps on flooding and landslides;

-??????A lot of LGUs in the provinces does not have their own AWS or Rain gauge and or other devices or system which will help them monitor by the hour the amount of rain they are receiving 24/7;

-??????LCEs and LDRRMOs should be trained on how to understand Hazard and Risk Maps and the data or information provided by PAGASA and also the importance of Localized forecasting capabilities of the LGU esp if they can slowly invest in various sensors;

*How flooding prediction are usually done?

Collection-Analysis of various Data

-??????Historical Data

-??????Static Data

-??????Meteo-Data /Forecasts

-??????Real Time Data (Satellite, Doppler Radar etc)

I will not go into details since I am not a professionally trained person re this, PAGASA officials can best explain on this matter.??I only mentioned this since LGUs should start learning on this subject matter in order for them to appreciate the information provided by PAGASA and understand the importance of having sensors or devices used for weather in their own locality.?

Evacuation decision formulation and timing of the evacuation This has to be discussed and be given emphasis during the required Local DRRM Council meeting whenever an ALERT is provided by PAGASA or OCD. ?It is mostly overlooked in LGU level (with various reasons and possibilities provided earlier in this document). In making a decision when faced with a potential flood risk there is a trade-off between ordering an evacuation too early based on a highly-uncertain forecast which risks unnecessarily disturbing the public, and leaving the evacuation order until a point in time when it is too late to evacuate the majority of the public. In choosing between two possible actions (evacuate or not to evacuate), the decision method must be able to determine the optimal timing of the evacuation based on the amount of time it takes to evacuate a population. LGUs should formulate a clear process on their decision whether to order an evacuation or not or conduct a preemptive evacuation. With the help of PAGASA, we can provide a checklist on what LGUs need to have (data, maps etc) during the council meeting and we can request for a copy of that assessment and decision within 48 hrs prior to the 24 hours before landfall.

Conclusions

A decision support system for making evacuation decisions using probability distributed flood forecasts is recommended. The system provides timely evacuation orders tailor-made to LGU within the watershed based on potential inundation levels for the area and the distance and corresponding evacuation time to the nearest available shelter (landslide prone, low lying, coastal or river areas). The risk to each area is considered through estimating the probability with which inundation levels or flash flood (water rain runoff) will occur for each forecast lead time, and the severity associated with each of these inundation levels.

Although uncertainty in the rainfall forecast is largely responsible for error in forecasting runoff (since we really don’t have exact amount on specific areas or LGUs), especially at long lead-times, other factors such as limitations associated with the rainfall-runoff model, calibration errors, and errors in radar rainfall observation are also responsible for considerable errors in runoff modeling. ?Its really hard to exactly anticipate how many rainfall will fall per LGU, but this can be answered if only LGUs invest.

LGUs should consider investing in various sensor to anticipate changes in their AOR. Landslide early warning systems, soil moisture sensors, acoustic sensors, Optical Time Domain Reflectometry is used for monitoring debris flow, ground motion sensors.

We need Hydrologic Monitoring Stations comprised of

1. rain gauges sitting on the ground surface.

2. water content sensors buried at different depths vertically beneath the ground surface that measure how much of the soil's pore space is filled with water.

3. two or three tensiometers (shallow, mid, deep) located in boreholes near the water content sensors that measure the amount of suction in the soil, soil-water suction is what allows damp sand to hold its shape in a sand castle and helps to hold soil on a hillside. The sensing tips of the tensiometers are placed at depths to form a vertical array.

4. Piezometers installed in shallow boreholes cased with PVC at some sites where a shallow water table is present. Piezometers indicate pressure below the water table and can be used to observe changes in water table depth.

5. inclinometers installed in boreholes indicate when the ground is tilting.

6. lasers can indicate the movement of debris flows traveling down channels.

7. seismometers that sense ground vibrations produced when a landslide occurs. They need a computer, solar power and communications equipment to transmit data and a siren. For short, they need to invest.

8. Analytic CCTVs in high risk areas.

LGUs can also try the following:

Internet of Things (IoT), for more accurate flood predictions and planning. New technologies and applications such as low-cost sensors, mobile phones to an IoT network, allow the collection of large amounts of complex and real-time data that can inform the assessment and monitoring of flood risks. Within an IoT network, data can be pooled and mapped in one cloud location, to provide a “big picture” outlook on a given emergency. Moreover, flood sensors, mobile phones, barometric pressure monitors, and dam alert systems, can over time inform better long-term flood preparedness.

Impact-based flood forecasting and early warning. Advising about the scope and likely impact of a given hazard, impact-based forecasting and early warning can help bridge the gap between producers of information and users of information.

I may be not precise with these, we can ask PAGASA and PHILVOCS on how LGUs can invest on such devices to help them improve their monitoring and decision making.??At the same time, improve their localized forecasting capabilities.?If such devices are installed, these can also be link to EOCs, regional EOCS and even to OCD’s Opcen which somehow if our OpCen has access to these devices, if LGUs fail to notice the danger signs, we can notify them and remind them.

All in all, the decision to evacuate is clearly in the hands of LGUs since every LGU is unique and has its own threshold and OCD or PAGASA will have difficulty to decide for them.?We really lack enough rain gauge in every LGUs and other sensors for us to monitor and assist them in reaching a decision. In my humble opinion, what happened last week is partly the responsibility of the LGUs and not entirely due to PAGASAs failure to provide an accurate data on possible rainfall.

B. Lessons from Odette - A Repeat of the usual issues and gaps.

Here are some of recommendations:

1.?????????Improve the understanding of Alerts n Warnings by LGUs

2.?????????Use of various weather forecast to guide planners esp on preparations on what is needed and as basis for pre emp evac

3.?????????Possibility of sending resources (2 days early) in a near location and secured anticipating the needed resources by LGUs to be affected by typhoon

4.?????????Improve people’s understanding on their Risks in their localities

5.?????????Maximize the use of socmed in alarming the people

6.?????????Improve the Radio COMS with power supply backup to all LGUs commonly affected by strong typhoons like HF radio

7.?????????Prepositioned in Regions VSAT and other coms commonly devastated by strong typhoons or provide such sets to Regions commonly devastated;

8.?????????Acquisition of gensets, water purifiers and water storage in LGUs

9.?????????Re design of houses roofs to withstand strong winds including evac shelters such as covered courts

10.???????Recommend to create stronger warehouse for stockpile away from surge, flooding and strong winds and supplies according to population commonly affected

11.??????Improve IEC in communities of the hazards n risks in their areas for storm surge, flooding etc

12.??????Improve EOCs of LGUs in having various?sensors :

- rain gauges sitting on the ground surface.

- water content sensors buried at different depths vertically beneath the ground surface that measure how much of the soil's pore space is filled with water.

- two or three tensiometers (shallow, mid, deep) located in boreholes near the water content sensors that measure the amount of suction in the soil, soil-water suction is what allows damp sand to hold its shape in a sand castle and helps to hold soil on a hillside. The sensing tips of the tensiometers are placed at depths to form a vertical array.

- Piezometers installed in shallow boreholes cased with PVC at some sites where a shallow water table is present. Piezometers indicate pressure below the water table and can be used to observe changes in water table depth.

- inclinometers installed in boreholes indicate when the ground is tilting.

- lasers can indicate the movement of debris flows traveling down channels.

- seismometers that sense ground vibrations produced when a landslide occurs. They need a computer, solar power and communications equipment to transmit data and a siren.

13.??????Improve EWS like sirens/PAs in LGUs

14.??????Set standards or policy re when is the right day to do PRE EVAC? And when to do FORCE EVAC?

15.??????Provide special trainings for response on flash flood type environment – Swiftwater rescue and boat maneuvering on running water and its proper PPEs/PPCs;

16.??????Improve policy for LGUs to follow or accomplish their targets based on their DRRM plan every year and also resolve the gaps generated from their various Contingency Plans created;

17.??????Provide a Special Fund for Mitigation and Preparedness projects for LGUs with low fund on DRRMF and commonly hit by strong typhoons and also threat of earthquake (ex. Improving of EOCs and COMS, support facilities commonly needed for disasters, response capabilities, trainings, IEC materials, EWS, etc)

18.??????Find solutions to LGUs common problems on hiring or adding DRRMO personnel on funds and number of personnel according to LGUs size and population and needs;

19.??????Policy on INTEROPERABILITY on COMMUNICATIONS among NGAs and LGUs – Common Radio Channel – Link of Data, video, voice among EOCs along with COMS PLAN and SOP / Conduct of City, Provincial, Regional and National Communications Exercises;

20.??????Improve the product of CODIX – which includes rain, wind and surge impact or possible effects to improve better situational awareness to be used for planning preparations;

21.??????Consider having a system /platform for Incident Resource Inventory System wherein NGAs and LGUs can encode of their resources (updated monthly) with categories and types and LGUs or NGAs can use for request of needed resources and tracking of resources;

22.??????Consider developing various plans and guidelines on:

-??????Mass Care Operations

-??????Planning Considerations on Evacuations and Shelter in Place

-??????Evacuation Plan & Mass Transportation

-??????Sheltering Guidance and Commonly Used sheltering Items

-??????Debris Removal Plan

C.???Recurring Issues from 2010 to 2021

Since the start of the pandemic, old issues and gaps have been raised once again in various platform, workshops and forums. Here are the common talking points captured from 2020 to 2021

·?????Inclusion of all LDRRMO Personnel for HAZARD PAY and SPECIAL RISK ALLOWANCES provisions;

???????For LDRRMOs to be considered also as Health Workers;

???????Solve the Issue on PS Salary CAP for LGUs;

???????Update the Local Government Code to include provisions re LDRRMOs;

???????Standardized the category of LDRRMOs in all LGUs Nationwide without discrimination on the type?or level of LGUs – to be considered as department level;

???????Provisions of MAGNA CARTA for LDRRMO personnel;

???????Provisions for GRANTS or SPECIAL FUNDS wherein LGUs with low income can access to help them support their efforts for Facilities, equipment and vehicles for DRR purposes;

???????Provisions for clear guidance on DRR procurement procedures and tax discounts for direct purchase abroad of modern DRR equipment and vehicles for its modernization;

???????Provisions for detailed guidance on various positions LDRRMO can have based on the tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the law (EOC personnel, fire and sar/EMS personnel etc);

???????EMS law:

???????Provisions in the law re compliance on Occupational Safety and Health for LDRRMOs to ensure safety and protection to all LDRRMO personnel;

???????Provisions in the law allowing LDRRM Fund to be used for all DRR related preventive maintenance of their facilities, Equipment and emergency vehicles;

???????Provisions in the law wherein all LDRRMO heads shall be under the supervision of the new DDR Dept similar to DSWD setup to ensure that heads will have security of tenure;

???????Provisions in the law providing funds for the creation and establishment of a National trng Institute that provides ALL kinds of Trainings for LDRRMO personnel and officers from Mngt courses and Skills Training and providing certification;

???????Provisions in the Law giving emphasis on INTEROPERABILITY in COMMUNICATIONS among LGUs and NGAs;

???????Mandatory creation of LDRRM Office Nationwide;

???????Establishing Standards on procedures for Search and Rescue operations;

D.???Recommended Additional Improvements based from Past Lessons

1.????The Ability for the President, Governor or Mayor for Pre Disaster Emergency Declaration – We already have existing guidelines on when to declare a state of calamity or emergency but most of those are highly dependent on the Damage Assessment provided in order to justify such declaration and for funding of such response. This delay cause unnecessary sufferings to the victims and we can improve on this – either adding such policy in the new law or amendment or Executive Order.

First, we can categorize two types of declaration:

a)????emergency declarations and b) major disaster declarations.??Both declaration types authorize the President to provide supplemental national disaster assistance.?However, the events related to the two different types of declaration and scope and amount of assistance differ. This kind of power can also be used by Governors and Mayors.

For Emergency Declarations: The President can declare an emergency for any occasion or instance when the President determines national assistance is needed.?Emergency declarations supplement provincial and local government efforts in providing emergency services, such as the protection of lives, property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the Philippines.?The total amount of assistance provided for in a single emergency may not exceed _____ million. The President shall report to Congress if this amount is exceeded.

Requirements:

The Governor or Mayor of the affected Province or Local must submit a request to the President, through the appropriate Regional Head of Office of Civil Defense, within ____ days of the occurrence of the incident.?The request must be based upon a finding that the situation is beyond the capability of the Province and affected local governments and that supplemental national emergency assistance is necessary to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster.?In addition, the request must include:

• Confirmation that the Governor or LCE has taken appropriate action under National law and directed the execution of the Local emergency plan;
• A description of the Province and local government efforts and resources utilized to alleviate the emergency;
• A description of other national agency efforts and resources utilized in response to the emergency; and
• A description of the type and extent of additional national assistance required.

Pre-Disaster Emergency Declarations

A Governor or Local Chief Executive may request an emergency declaration in advance or anticipation of the imminent impact of an incident that threatens such destruction as could result in a major disaster.?Such requests must meet all of the requirements for an emergency declaration request.?Requests must demonstrate?the existence of critical emergency protective measure needs prior to impact are beyond the capability of the Province and affected local governments and identify specific unmet emergency needs that can be met through Disaster National Assistance.?Such DNA may include, but is not limited to, personnel, equipment, supplies, and evacuation assistance.?Pre-positioning of assets generally does not require a declaration.?Assistance made available under a pre-disaster emergency declaration will typically be (emergency protective measures), limited to DNA.?OCD may require damage assessments and/or verified cost estimates if additional types of assistance are requested.

Emergency Declarations with National Primary Responsibility

When an emergency exists for which the primary responsibility rests with the National government, the President may declare an emergency without a request from the Governor of the affected Province or the Local Chief Executive of the affected area.?Such an emergency declaration does not prevent the Governor or Local Chief Executive from subsequently requesting a major disaster declaration for other unmet needs caused by the event.

Major Disaster Declarations

The President can declare a major disaster for any natural event, including any typhoon, ?major storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, or drought, pandemic or, regardless of cause, fire, flood, or explosion, that the President determines has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of province and local governments to respond.?A major disaster declaration provides a wide range of national assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work.

Requirements:

The Governor of the affected Local Chief Executive of the affected area must submit the request to the President through the appropriate Regional Officer (OCD) within ____ days of the occurrence of the incident.?The request must based upon a finding that the situation is beyond the capability of the Province and affected local governments and that supplemental national assistance is necessary.?In addition the request must include:

• Confirmation that the Governor or Local Chief Executive has taken appropriate action under National law and directed execution of the Local emergency plan;
• An estimate of the amount and severity of damage to the public and private sector;
• A description of the Province and local government efforts and resources utilized to alleviate the disaster;
• Preliminary estimates of the type and amount of assistance needed; and
• Certification by the Governor or Local Chief Executive that the Province and local governments will comply with all applicable cost sharing requirements.

2.????Providing a National Emergency Operations Center Grant Program – to improve local emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. Fully capable emergency operations facilities at the provincial and local levels are an essential element of a comprehensive national emergency management system and are necessary to ensure continuity of operations and continuity of government in major disasters or emergencies caused by any hazard.

Funding – an amount shall be set every year.

Eligibility – All LGUs and with LGUs with close borders 2 LGUs can join together to have an EOC to be used by both. LGUs shall prove that they will provide personnel to manage the said EOC to be funded and shall be trained. Mandatory training on Incident Command System and EOC Operations.

Allowable Cost - funds may only be expended for EOC construction or renovation costs and Management and Administration costs to support the project. A maximum of five percent (5%) of funds awarded may be used for Management and Administration purposes associated with the grant award. Additionally, funds may be used for EOC design, construction, and renovation costs including, but not limited to, hardening of the structure and building envelope to resist hazards and the hardening of systems to better resist damage and contamination from natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

Similar grant such as Preparedness Grant Program shall also be funded and made available to LGUs that can provide equipment, response vehicles, personnel protective clothing and training.

3.????Creating and Establishing Standards on DRR - Standards based instruction helps guide the planning, implementation, and assessment of student learning. The use of standards to streamline instruction ensures that teaching practices deliberately focus on agreed upon learning targets. Expectations for student learning are mapped out with each prescribed standard. It creates a uniformity across all of the crews. Providing hands-on (their hands on) training on how to fulfill the standards, is fundamental – and doing it with all of the technicians builds a shared sense of camaraderie, responsibility and accountability. Since RA10121 was implemented all LGUs tried to build up their own response teams what is badly needed is the proper training for these personnel. As of this date, we still don’t have a fixed standard to be followed or used to train such personnel. Most trainings being provided now are management type trainings and very few response skills and even if there are some who are providing it, still the quality is below international standards or NFPA.

ALL in all, there is still a lot of room for improvement but there is an urgent need to start improving since every year our country face various natural disasters including man-made disasters and the threat of another pandemic.

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