Cua Calls for Urgent Action on Disaster Preparedness and Dedicated Evacuation Centers for Local Government Units

UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES

FILE: Two residents wade through thigh-high floods in Palmera Homes in Novaliches, Quezon City on Wednesday (July 24, 2024). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

In light of the devastating impact of the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina  (international name: Gaemi), which brought relentless rain and severe flooding to Manila and  deadly landslides to the northern Philippines, Quirino governor Dax Cua, president of the Union  of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), called on local government units (LGUs) across  the nation to bolster disaster preparedness efforts and establish dedicated evacuation centers.  

Cua, an advocate for enhanced local governance, emphasized the critical role of LGUs in  safeguarding their constituents.  

“With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters as we have recently experienced  in Typhoon Carina, our commitment to community safety and resilience is more crucial than ever.  It is imperative that every LGU implement comprehensive disaster preparedness plans to ensure  the well-being of our citizens,” he said. 

Cua encouraged LGUs to conduct comprehensive disaster risk assessments to identify local  vulnerabilities and develop tailored disaster preparedness plans.  

These plans should include adaptation, mitigation, and preventive measures, emergency  response protocols, and strategies for post-disaster recovery, said Cua.  

He also highlighted the need not only for continuous training and capacity-building programs for  local officials, emergency responders, and community members, but also equipping these local  responders with the requisite logistics and technologies to effectively respond to calamities and  disasters. 

“We also cannot stress enough the importance of public awareness campaigns, educational  programs, and community drills. These measures can significantly enhance local readiness and  ensure that our residents are well-informed and prepared,” the governor also said.

He also called for the wholesale fortification of critical infrastructure, including the upgrading of  roads, bridges, and public facilities, to ensure these withstand natural calamities and remain  resilient. 

Cua also reiterated the urgent need for dedicated evacuation centers in every LGU, a policy that  ULAP has actively championed through legislative advocacy in both houses of Congress and  the pursuit of an Executive Order from the President.  

“Designated, well-equipped evacuation centers are crucial for providing safe havens during  emergencies. These centers must be strategically located, accessible, and capable of  accommodating large numbers of evacuees,” he said. 

“Evacuation centers should be situated in safe zones, away from flood-prone and high-risk areas,  to ensure the safety of evacuees. They must be equipped with essential amenities such as clean  water, sanitation facilities, food supplies, medical care, and sleeping arrangements. Accessibility  is paramount, ensuring these centers are easily reachable by all residents, including those with  disabilities and special needs. The design and construction of evacuation centers should adhere  to sustainable and resilient building standards to ensure long-term functionality,” he added.  

Governor Cua’s calls to action underscores ULAP’s enduring commitment to fostering  collaboration between national and local authorities. As a member of the National Disaster Risk  Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its Technical Working Groups (TWGs),  ULAP strives to enhance governance and ensure responsive, reliable disaster management  services at the local level.  

“Let us act decisively: every LGU must prioritize the creation of well-equipped evacuation centers  and comprehensive disaster preparedness plans. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard  our communities and ensure that we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way,” Cua  said.