JV Ejercito: Luzon quake stresses need for Department of Disaster Resilience
July 27, 2022
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said the
earthquake that hit Luzon earlier today underscores the urgency of passing
legislation to create a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).
Despite the existence of the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Ejercito said the country’s
vulnerability to natural disasters calls for a fully fledged department
dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and management.
“Meron tayong NDRRMC. But because we are in
the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone tayo sa earthquakes, sa volcanic eruptions,
pati sa bagyo. Kumbaga, dapat year-round ang preparasyon, ‘yung training, ‘yung
acquisition, ‘yung paggawa ng evacuation centers,” he said in an interview.
“I think we need a fully fledged department
para dito, para pag meron tayong sakuna, handa tayo,” he added.
Earlier today, a Magnitude 7 earthquake struck
the northern part of the Luzon mainland and was felt as far away as Manila.
The quake reportedly damaged heritage sites,
commercial establishments, and residential buildings in the Ilocos region and
nearby provinces.
The full extent of the Luzon quake has yet to
be determined as of writing.
Various lawmakers, including Ejercito, have
long been proposing measures to consolidate government resources towards a more
unified disaster preparedness, response, and management strategy.
Ejercito recently filed Senate Bill No. 756,
which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience.
“This measure aims to strengthen the capacity
of the national government and the local government units, together with
development partner stakeholders, to build disaster resilient communities and
institutionalize arrangements and measures to reduce disaster risks and
projected climate risks and enhance disaster preparedness and response at all
levels,” the explanatory note read.
“Through the creation of a single department
in-charge of managing the effects of disasters and emergencies, as well as the
preparation and mitigation phases, effective processes and policies shall be
developed and sustainable resources and accountability are likewise
established,” it added.
Still wearing his cyclist outfit upon arriving
at the Senate, Ejercito said he was biking along the SM Mall of Asia on his way
to work when the earthquake took place.
“Nahilo ako. Akala ko inaatake ako. Medyo
malakas kasi at side ways. Sana hindi masyado maraming pinsala kasi malakas daw
(ang lindol) sa Norte,” he said.
