Empowering LGUs in Disaster Response Management

Friday, 30 October 2009
BY: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

With the onslaught of Typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that saw the pressing need for immediate action by the Local Government Units (LGU) to respond to distress calls, the Philippine Navy has undertaken measures to empower LGUs in disaster response management.

Two teams from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NAVFORNOL) based in La Union recently conducted a training demonstration on proper boat handling inLingayen, Pangasinan and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. The move aims enhance the capability of LGUs to respond to emergency situations during calamities. The Navy teams taught participants the basics of rescue operations and employing rescue equipment.

Though Disaster Response and Rescue Teams (DRRT) are integrated into naval units all over the country and deployed as the need arises, the Navy advocates self-reliance among LGUs for the conduct of search and rescue missions during natural calamities and disasters.