Disaster committee in Caraga discusses interventions to earthquake affected residents
BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Disaster Response Committee (RCDC) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga discussed during its first quarter meeting the interventions provided to the earthquake victims on the damages to their properties.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Caraga representative Renz Mario C. Manansala reported that some 283 damaged houses were recorded in the entire region due to the series of earthquakes felt in the region. He further presented their agency's flagship project known as the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH), which aims to build six million housing units and generate around 1.7 million jobs yearly from 2023 to 2028.
Chief meteorologist Ver Lance D. Galanida of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) - Butuan presented the weather forecast for six months for the year 2024 saying, “There is a possibility that the effects of the El NiΓ±o phenomenon will still be felt in the coming months.”
He also encouraged everyone to be updated and to keep track of the weather forecast through the DOST-PAGASA Facebook page.
Also, Fire Senior Superintendent (FSSupt.) Peter Sean Atup highlighted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga's awareness campaign on fire prevention in the community. He said that in line with this campaign, they also initiated the conduct of fire drills in public schools, public offices, and malls, as well as informed the public about the use of swimming pools in the nearest resorts that can also be used during emergencies as a source of water.
"We proposed two (2) motorcycle models, which we could use as the first responders when there is fire. These motorcycles will also guide and clear the area before the fire trucks arrive at the affected area/barangay," he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Risk Resiliency Program, represented by Rutchel Molino, emphasized Project Lawa and Binhi, which is a proactive intervention and sustainable solution to combat hunger, alleviate poverty, and reduce the economic vulnerability of the communities by addressing food security and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and disasters. She stressed that the target beneficiaries are the poor/vulnerable/disadvantaged.
"Families classified as poor under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) include the indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, elderly, farmers and fisherfolk. The objective is to provide additional income support, build or rehabilitate public/community/natural assets, and strengthen partnership with LGUs, among others," she said. (KKG/JPG, PIA-Caraga)
