LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Ifugao is eyeing the support of more individuals in the private sector for the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) workers at the House of Representatives.
In what ways can someone in the civilian sector be more helpful to the cause?
The seemingly long campaign for the measure’s passage is embodied in the rallying cry for protecting and promoting DRRM workers’ welfare in Ifugao and elsewhere. The Philippines has 82 provinces.
And its too late. After years of trying to bring relief to DRRM workers, the government is once again confronted with a very familiar dilemma. Is it too late in helping these distressed personnel in these difficult times? Worrying about negative things that might happen, such as accidents, will only add to a DRRM worker’s stressed and weakened hope for a better future. Thus, look for ways to help him.
Workers are overworked and underpaid. They are overstressed during emergency situations. Beyond these intractable phenomena of difficult work conditions are painful realities of social exclusion, particuiariy caused by the high cost of living.
“We have to do something about it,” PDRRM officer Arnold Bacnog said.
“I cannot wait for the support from the private sector to fast track (the bill) its passage,” he added.
These present opportunities for private sector key leaders to not only throw their support for the bill’s enactment but to lead with determination in aggressively implementing it in the near future.
Here’s why. While the PDRRMO seeks “to encourage those with proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join and remain in the government service and DRRM profession,” there is no job security. It’s a “come and go cycle.” More training of new personnel is costly. Instead, the PDRRMO should pursue upskilling initiatives to equip them with adaptability to thrive in various situations.
Strengthening and modernizing the Ifugao’s PDRRMO is necessary. Therefore, the need to increase its budget to make it better equipped and trained. It will certainly positively reflect on the officialdom’s commitment to promote the public good. As it should stand stronger and operate more efficiently amid natural calamities.
A few years back, this scribe spoke of “must-things” to do in disaster-related concerns at a LGU meeting in Banaue. For one, he urged Congress to provide funds geared for the construction of disaster-resilient housing for those living in danger zones “typhoon-proof evacuation centers with water and stocks are desirable,” he stressed.
He also sought support for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience, a Cabinet-level agency that will ensure that communities are adaptive, disaster-resilient and safe.
Likewise cited was that education plays a key role in letting the masses understand the meaning of “no build zones” and “very high-risk landslide areas.”
Making sure that the PDRRMO is in good hands, Gov Jerry Dalipog gave the PDRRMO post to Bacnog, also an engineer like the governor. He should be lauded for his continuing efforts in promoting the well-being of his personnel.
The PDRRMO continues to endeavor and help calamity-prone communities, building on its success and commitment to sincerely assist calamity victims.
For 2025 to 2028 PDRRMO’s budget should be increased significantly so that it can provide sufficient support and assistance particularly to folks in distant villages.
Typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika and Pepito have made the government more cognizant of the need to capacitate and improve DRRM-related services.
With innovative approach, the Magna Carta for DRRM workers is more than just a development, it’s a catalyst for the nation’s transformation into a world-class disaster responsive state. It’s just the first step toward the era of swift response to emergency situations that will lead to better results.
These efforts would incentivize DRRM offices and personnel to actively reduce work-related dangers, while allowing the government to utilize limited resources to boost its capability. This clearly presents an opportunity for the Philippines to not only keep the pace in the South East Asian region, but to lead with determination. The country is highly exposed to climate risk and vulnerable to typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis and other calamities.
A decent job could bring a sustainable income of the DRRM office that should be available to each one. A lowly-paid DRRM worker, burdened by the government’s failure to provide him or her hazard pay, insurance and compensated day-off who is also affected by the high cost of living will be demporalized. Each food item increase has an economic impact.
Through a strong public-private partnership, we shall be able to create and articulate a clear vision and strategy, and provide advices in a professional manner and setting. Hiring of personnel on contractual basis due to political patronage is inimical to the best interest of the government. The PDRRMO is ending 2024 and should logically open 2025 on a high note by scrapping ENDO practices.
What will it take to allow on-time, this-time provision of benefits to individuals who are sacrificing their lives in times of catastrophe? When public interest is at stake, shouldn’t the legislation move quicker? Let us see how it will happen for those who make pronouncements of this intent, in aid of re-election?
An unfinished business loom ahead. There’s a lot of room for improvement. Higher budgetary allocation for the DRMM office is helpful to optimize efficiency. Amongst the dark clouds of super typhoons, the undercompensated Filipino DRRM worker’s spirit has stood- and stands proud, yet is gasping for breath. Like a typhoon victim, the DRRM worker is vulnerable to high inflation. Hence, the Magna Carta bill has to be reasonably acted upon.
In a related development, the provision of a rice subsidy for the deprived PDRRM workers was proposed to Gov. Jerry Dalipog by journalist Anthony Araos. In his letter to the governor, Araos said: “that it would indeed be a very good starting point to lessening their burden and, more importantly, a timely Christmas gift for them.” **By Anthony A. Araos
