Philippines enhancing disaster preparedness, response capabilities
Maria T. Reyes
The Philippines is ramping up preparedness efforts ahead of La Niña weather conditions and other natural disaster threats.
At the forefront of preparations is the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), part of the National Defense Department and the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which includes organizations tasked with ensuring the population’s protection and welfare during disasters and other emergencies.
La Niña, marked by cooling sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, generally leads to above-normal rainfall and more tropical cyclones. According to the Philippine government, La Niña, which often follows an El Niño weather pattern, will bring more rain than usual in 2024.
El Niño ended in early June 2024 and the transition to La Niña is underway. Preparations include providing generators, shelter repair kits and other assistance to Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost province, which is isolated and prone to typhoons.
“The key is pre-positioning adequate relief goods and equipment so these will be available immediately when they need them,” Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the nation’s civil defense administrator, said in late May.
The national weather bureau forecasts 10 to 13 tropical cyclones between June and November 2024. “Relative to La Niña, before its onset and the rainy season, all OCD regional offices and local government units are being reminded to initiate preparation for the adverse effects of storms and heavy rains within their areas of jurisdiction,” the OCD told FORUM.
The agency also oversees disaster response and recovery during earthquakes and other natural disasters, collaborating with partner entities. “There are plans, mechanisms, and protocols already in place for various hazards,” the OCD stated. “Handling emergencies and disaster management is not something new.”
The OCD’s regional offices collaborate with local government to empower frontline responders to assist communities. Additionally, the OCD works with stakeholders including government agencies, the military and international partners to develop tailored action plans and coordination systems for emergencies.
“The whole-of-society approach plays a vital role in all thematic areas of DRRM [disaster risk reduction and management],” the OCD stated. “There must be a collective effort in all aspects of DRRM. It reinforces collaboration and cooperation among government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other sectors in all aspects of DRRM.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is deeply involved in disaster response, including evacuation, and search, rescue and retrieval operations. The OCD’s partners also include the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank.
“The challenge is to continuously improve the Philippine DRRM system, and this means strengthening the entire DRRM network from the national government down to the barangay [village] level,” the agency stated.
Technology is increasingly critical to Manila’s disaster management initiatives, including the use of social media, and emergency alert and warning messages in partnership with telecommunications companies.
“During emergencies, alerts are being sent to areas that will be affected by hazards. Amid the threat of a weather disturbance or a storm, OCD alerts the communities to prepare for possible landslides, flooding, and destructive winds,” the agency stated.
Maria T. Reyes is a FORUM contributor reporting from Manila, Philippines.
