The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales, headed by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, supports the launching of the Provincial Convergence Action Planning of Operation “Listo” conducted by DILG Region III. The fourteen (14) Local Government Units (LGUs) of Zambales participated on the activity at Balin Sambali Hotel, Iba, Zambales on March 25, 2015.
Operation “Listo” aims to assess the readiness and as well as technically equip LGUs to respond to calamities pursuant to the salient provisions of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Highlights of the activity are the turn-over of the disaster preparedness manuals to all LGUs and the signing of pledge of commitment by the Local Chief Executives, DRRM Officers, provincial and municipal officers of the DILG, PNP, BFP and other stakeholders.
The disaster preparedness manuals are a compilation of minimum required steps that need to be undertaken by the LGU, Fire Marshalls, Chiefs of Police, and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers, based on first-hand experiences of DILG and other front line national government agencies in responding to calamities. It encompasses three (3) Critical Preparedness Actions (CPA), to wit: Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, which serve as a unified tool and standard protocol to institutionalize disaster preparedness, readiness, and response of every LGU.
DILG Region 3 Director Florida M. Dijan, DPA, said that disaster preparedness is a key element to reduce and minimize the impact of disasters. “We are responsible not just for our own safety but also for the safety of our communities as well,” she stressed encouraging everyone to always aim and ensure for “Zero Casualty.”
The Operation “Listo” was graced by Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. of Zambales, emphasizing that LGUs should enhance their respective DRRM Plans and ensure that it must be realistic, measurable, and attainable. He added that DRRM Councils have to regularly convene, and must be well trained and capacitated to further improve the localities’ disaster preparedness and response capability. Lastly, he enjoined all concerned units to establish a standard protocol in coordination with the 3 disaster incident command centers of Zambales.
Remaining components of the program such as the Disaster Preparedness Dialogue and WemBoree, which is intended for the youth to create and organize LGU youth volunteers’ desk for DRRM, will also be conducted by the DILG.
