Senator Win Gatchalian wants local government units to strengthen their respective disaster preparedness programs to help sustain economic development in their communities.

“Any form of disaster, natural or otherwise, pushes back economic development in any area and thus the need for LGUs to build on their disaster reduction and preparedness capacity,” Gatchalian said, as he is scheduled to distribute sacks of rice to fire victims in Cavite City and victims of Typhoon Carina this afternoon.

Gatchalian will personally assess the situation of the fire-affected families residing along Badjao Street, Dalahican in Cavite City during his visit today. According to him, fire incidents are particularly unfortunate as such disasters are preventable. A huge residential fire struck Barangays 5 and 7 in the city on July 14 displacing 718 families.  

Sacks of rice will also be given to families in Cavite who were evacuated due to heavy rains and floods brought about by Typhoon Carina. At least 1,309 families are reported to have been affected.

Senate Bill No. 939, An Act Expanding The Application Of The Local Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Fund, which was filed by Gatchalian, seeks to amend Republic Act 10121 or The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. According to the senator, enactment of the proposed measure would provide LGUs with more capability to implement projects that would strengthen their disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and rehabilitation capabilities.

He emphasized that disaster-mitigation efforts would be greatly improved if LGUs had the necessary funds to provide local infrastructure projects designed to protect their localities against disasters.

“Kailangan nating pag-ibayuhin ang ating mga information drive upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna para sa ating kaligtasan,” Gatchalian said.