Follow calamity protocols, LGUs told
The Department of Interior and Local Government 6 is reminding local government units (LGUs) to follow protocols when calamity strikes.
Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta said that LGUs and their local chief executives are aware of the emergency and calamity protocols that they should adhere to during crisis.
She said local heads should take full responsibility in times of calamities.
Trompeta said all LGUs have copies of the calamity response protocols that were given to them by their regional and local disaster coordinating councils. She said LGUs should review and update these regularly, and inform their constituents of their emergency and evacuation plans.
Also LGUs should discuss these with their stakeholders regularly to remind them of their responsibilities and assignments, Trompeta said.
The rescue groups, private partners, fire departments, the police and other participating agencies should coordinate with each other to avoid mismanagement, she added.
They should also make sure that their communication centers, measures and equipments are in place so that it can function immediately despite short notice, she said.
Trompeta said LGUs that do not take their disaster and risk management plans seriously often end up as the most unprepared.
She also announced the reminder of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to commend the best practices of LGUs in terms of risk and disaster management.*PNA
