PASIG CITY, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on media dubbed as the” fourth estate” of the government for collaboration in promoting disaster preparedness.
“Media is a pervasive and powerful tool in informing and calling to action the Filipino people to be pre-emptive. Media can be a productive partner of the government in saving lives through correct and effective disaster preparedness,” said DILG Secretary Ismael “Mike” D. Sueno.
Sueno said that the Department welcomes cooperation with the media in advocating disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) initiatives. “We invite our friends in the print, television, radio, and online media for beneficial teamwork on disaster preparedness because it is a shared responsibility of all sectors,” he said. Along with the drive against crime and corruption, disaster preparedness is one of the top priorities of the DILG.
The DILG Secretary is the Vice-Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Recently, the DILG through its National Capital Regional office and the Public Affairs and Communication Service collaborated with DZMM’s “Red Alert” program in conducting a disaster preparedness lecture to hundreds of families on how to be a “Listong Pamilyang Pilipino” at the San Andres Complex in Manila.
Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, DILG-NCR Regional Director, explained that Listong Pamilyang Pilipino is a component of the DILG’s Operation Listo, an advocacy program in strengthening the disaster preparedness of local government units using the whole-of-government approach. “Ang isang Listong Pamilyang Pilipino ay may alam, maagap, at handang-handa sa anumang sakuna tulad ng pagbaha, lindol, at daluyong,” said Agustin. Fifteen families from different parts of Metro Manila, who joined the DZMM raffle promos, each won an emergency balde or “e-balde”, which contains things needed in case of disaster such as ready-to-eat food, water, first-aid and hygiene kits, flashlights, and radio transistor, among others.
They were also given the Gabay at Mapa, a family guide to action before, during and after a disaster. It requires families to make a household plan determining their evacuation routes, family meeting points, and safe places in their home.
DILG calls on media for disaster preparedness collaboration
