Philippines: Relocation drive aims to clear riverbanks first

A year after the devastating tropical storm, Ondoy, Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office acknowledged that many people continue to live in vulnerable areas.

“We have learned many lessons from last year. We hope the country is more prepared now but we need to strengthen and improve our readiness and crisis management,” he said speaking on the government radio.

Under AO 1 signed last September 17, the President noted that the use of DRR guidelines by the lgus in its development planning and land use would reduce or prevent adverse effects of disasters in socio-economic development.

“To the extent possible, the disaster risk assessment methodology introduced in the DRR guidelines shall be followed to ensure proper siting of development undertakings and to enable the identification of areas at risk to natural disaster and the appropriate mitigation measures,” the order read.