The Department of the Interior and Local Government XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido - Leysa led the conduct of the Operation L!STO: Regional Orientation and Disaster Resilience Dialogue on March 6, 2019 at the Narra Hall, Paraiso Verde Resort, Koronadal City with the presence of various DRRMCs and other stakeholders. The DILG, being the Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, puts premium on disaster preparedness, with the local chief executives being the “frontliners” during such occurrences.
In her Opening Message, DILG Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO V, recognized the continued support of the RDRRMC members and other stakeholders such as the CSOs, media personalities and LRIs in the various initiatives of the DILG for Disaster Preparedness. She further emphasized the role of LCEs before, during and after disasters. In her words, the LCEs, as frontliners during disasters and as chairs of their respective LDRRMC, are required to lead the progressive preparedness actions enumerated in the Operation LISTO Manual. With reference to what happened to some of the LCEs from Region II and CAR, she pointed out that local officials should be physically present in their AOR during disasters or otherwise they will be issued with show cause orders, or worse face administrative charges if found negligent to their duties.
LGOO VI/OIC-Chief of the Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) and DRRM-CCA Focal Person Maria Theresa De Justo-Bautista gave the Rationale and Objectives of the Activity, the Overview of the Operation L!STO Manual Development, and the Presentation of the Operation L!STO Journey. She enumerated the various initiatives of the DILG which manifest its undying commitment to perform its mandates on DRRM-CCA.
Afterwards, Mr. Arnulfo C. Villaruz, Chief of Operations and Warning, PDRRMO-Cotabato shared the Good Practices of the Cotabato Province in the overall DRR Management. He imparted to the group the experiences, challenges, and motivations to not just do “good”, but to deliver their “best”. He has shared valuable insights which undoubtedly proves that their Province deserves its winning streak on SGLG which Disaster Preparedness has been one of the Core Areas.
New tools were launched under the Operation L!STO and these were presented by LGOO IV Relmie T. Tamson, DRRM-CCA Alternate Focal Person. He oriented the participants on the improvements made in the LISTO Manual, the significance of LISTO si Gov in providing assistance to component LGUs, and the use of the Quality Assurance System in ensuring that all barangays have quality BDRRM Plans.
This another milestone in the DRRM-CCA program was followed by a symbolic turn-over ceremony. RD Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO V administered the giving of LGU Disaster Preparedness Manual to the participants.
A disaster resilience dialogue was also conducted among the participants. The DILG XII showcased the role of DILG on Disaster Preparedness and answered questions raised by the ICON members. It was followed by the presentation of the action plans of the Provinces, HUC and ICC for the Provincial/City Orientation and Disaster Resilience Dialogue which will be conducted on the third (3rd) quarter of CY 2019. Each province/city was given a few minutes to present to the group their ideas and strategies.
The participants also willingly pledged to support the activities of the Operation L!STO and advocate its use in the overall DRR Management. They also committed to strive to become disaster-ready citizens at all times and be more than willing to extend help in times of disasters, embodying the true spirit of Bayanihang Filipino. Before the end of the program, Assistant Regional Director Lailyn A. Ortiz, CESE gave the synthesis of the activity and bade farewell to all of the attendees.
