The city government of Naga has expanded the membership of its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NCDRRMC) to include a broader range of sectoral stakeholders, in a move aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.
Mayor Leni Robredo, through Executive Order No. 016, officially reconstituted the NCDRRMC with an enlarged composition that now includes representatives from youth, education, agriculture, business, utilities, and marginalized sectors, among others.
The expanded council reflects the city’s commitment to adopt a more comprehensive, inclusive, and participatory approach to disaster preparedness and response.
“The changing climate and emerging risks necessitate a stronger, more coordinated structure for disaster risk management. We believe that by involving more sectors, we can build a more resilient city,” Robredo said.
Aside from core department heads, the new council includes the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, Solid Waste Management officer, City Population and Nutrition Office representative, City Agriculturist, Gender and Development officer, and the Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education.
Also appointed are the chairperson of the Naga City People’s Council, the president of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), the city director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the president of the Naga City Urban Poor Federation, and the district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Key utility officials such as the Acting General Manager of Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative and the General Manager of Metro Naga Water District are also part of the new roster.
Mayor Robredo chairs the council, with City Councilor Allan Reiz Macaraig, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Disaster Risk and Resilience, serving as co-chair. Other council members include City Councilors Melvin Ramon Buenafe and Ma. Corazon Peñaflor;
The City Planning and Development Officer, Public Safety Officer, General Services Officer, City Social Welfare and Development Officer, City Health Officer, Acting City Engineer, City Veterinarian, Assistant City Budget Officer, the commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the Naga City Police Office Director, The BFP-Naga Fire Marshal, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Red Cross-Camarines Sur.
Under EO 016, the NCDRRMC is tasked to:
1. Approve, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans (LDRRMPs), and ensure regular reviews and drills;
2. Integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into development plans, programs, and budgets as tools for sustainable development and poverty alleviation; and,
3. Recommend the conduct of forced or pre-emptive evacuation when necessary.
The executive order underscores the city’s resolve to institutionalize a whole-of-community approach to disaster governance, especially in light of intensifying climate threats. | via Jason B. Neola
