May 6, 2021 – NNC Calabarzon recently participated in the region’s RDRRMC (Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) “2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting” for the discussion of significant programs, projects, and activities concerning disaster risk reduction management.
The RDRRMC meeting was spearheaded by its Chairperson OCD (Office of Civil Defense) Regional Director, Tet Escolano. The meeting was also attended by Regional Line Agencies, Local DRRM Councils, and private sectors in CaLaBaRZon.
The virtual gathering tackled the following agenda: “Climate Outlook”; “Thematic Area Accomplishments”; “Updates on the Regional Contingency Plan for the Taal Volcano Eruption”; and Programs, projects, and activities to rehabilitate the lives of the people affected by Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses for endorsement to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).
It was discussed in the meeting that the RDRRMC plan will be activated as soon as two or more provinces are affected by impending disasters.
It was also mentioned in the meeting agreements, that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection during the activities, the responders to the disasters are required to undergo R-TPCR test or Antigen Test.
Subsequently, the DOH CaLaBaRzon, through Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco (Assistant Regional Director) commits to continuously provide allocations for Antigen Test Kits to the Council. To date, they have already allocated the second tranche of the kits to all municipalities of Batangas.
Correspondingly, the DOH and NNC also provide ongoing health and nutrition related services in different phases during disasters to prevent the physical and mental health deterioration among the most vulnerable.
Furthermore, NNC Calabarzon is efficiently equipped to assist in the crafting of menu/meal plans and other activities related to the plans for the community kitchen, which was earlier discussed by DSWD for the 4th thematic phase “response.”
The RDRRMC is responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters or emergencies. It always prepared for any disaster occurrence in the region and will immediately respond once Taal Volcano increases its alert to Level 3, also called “unrest probably of magmatic origin”.
By: Darrenz William M. Mateos
