Estrada Advocates for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness
MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of Tropical Storm Crising’s destruction, Senator Jinggoy Estrada is championing critical reforms to drastically improve the Philippines disaster preparedness system. His renewed push focuses on establishing a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), a centralized agency designed to unify and strengthen how the country prepares for, responds to, and recovers from calamities.
Estrada emphasizes that disaster resilience must begin well before a typhoon strikes or an earthquake shakes the land. “Disaster resilience begins long before the typhoon hits or the ground shakes. It starts with smart planning, readiness, and rapid response capabilities,” he stated. Through the creation of the DDR and complementary initiatives, he aims to close existing gaps that often result in avoidable loss of life, hunger, and prolonged recovery.
Creating a Department of Disaster Resilience
The proposed Department of Disaster Resilience will serve as the lead agency in coordinating nationwide and local disaster efforts. It will be empowered with the authority, technical skills, and resources needed to respond efficiently to various natural and biological hazards, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, pandemics, and other climate-related threats.
Key responsibilities of the DDR include conducting thorough risk assessments, building evacuation centers that meet safety standards, overseeing disaster recovery operations, and developing early warning systems. The agency will also collaborate closely with local governments, national agencies, and international partners to ensure timely assistance and accurate information reaches affected communities.
Ensuring Rapid Relief Through Disaster Food Banks
Alongside the DDR, Estrada proposes the Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, which aims to establish a nationwide network of food banks and relief supplies. This measure seeks to guarantee swift delivery of essential provisions to disaster-hit areas, especially remote and island communities that face access challenges.
The bill mandates that stored food and supplies maintain a minimum shelf life of two years and that stocks are sufficient to support local populations for at least three weeks. It also calls for a first-in, first-out inventory system to ensure supplies are used promptly and replenished regularly.
Building a Resilient Future for Filipinos
“Our people deserve a government that is ready not just to respond, but to anticipate and act,” Estrada added. The establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience and local food banks will help safeguard every Filipino during times of crisis, ensuring no one is left behind.
Local leaders noted the urgency of such reforms given the increasing frequency of natural disasters. By streamlining disaster management under the DDR and enhancing food security through food banks, the Philippines can significantly reduce the human and economic toll of calamities.
For more news and updates on disaster preparedness, visit Filipinokami.com.
