By Zorayda Tecson/PNA
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Luzon on Thursday launched at the regional level an enhanced disaster preparedness manual as part of its continuing efforts to make communities calamity-resilient.
DILG Regional Director Julie J. Daquioag, in her message during the event held at the Kingsborough International Convention Center here, stressed the importance of local government officials having knowledge of the enhanced Operation L!sto manual that will serve as a guide on what people must to do in times of calamities.
“Preparation means not only the equipment, vehicles and resources but also with mental preparedness through knowing how we do the Operation L!sto,” said Daquioag, adding that “zero casualty in every disaster is the main goal of the Operation L!sto”.
The Operation L!sto Disaster Preparedness Manual Volume 3 has three components — L!stong Pamayanan, which aims to establish and implement community simulations and drills; L!stong Pamilyang Pilipino, which aims to capacitate households to become self-reliant; and the L!istong Pamahalaang Lokal to institutionalize protocols and standards for disaster preparedness.
The previous edition of the manual focused on preparedness checklist of city and municipal mayors, DILG field officers, and officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection.
The enhanced manual integrates the preparedness guide for governors in the L!stong Pamahalaang Lokal.
“The enhanced manual contains general and minimum preparatory actions for provinces when preparing for disasters,” Daquioag said.
Likewise, she said the enhanced Operation L!sto manual has more detailed progressive actions on preparedness and response.
“The monitoring and coordinating functions were also emphasized and a more comprehensive set of tools and policy guidelines on disaster preparedness were added,” she noted. (PNA)
