Philippines: Youth Advisory Council seeks youth representation in local disaster management bodies

Baguio City - The Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) Cordillera is seeking for youth representation in local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) councils following the issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2015 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Youth Commission (NYC).

During the recent RYAC-CAR quarterly meeting, members approved Resolution No. 003, S. 2015 requesting the Regional Social Development Committee to endorse to the Regional Development Council the implementation of said joint directive.

The Joint Memorandum Circular states that in view of the strategic role of the youth in molding a resilient community and to fully realize the goals of the PDRRM Act of 2010, the DILG and NYC enjoin all local chief executives(LCEs) to engage the youth sector as member of the LDRRMC, as one group representing the Civil Society Organizations. LCEs are enjoined to institutionalize the participation of the youth in climate change adaptation(CCA) and other activities related to preparedness and disaster mitigation.

National and local consultations conducted by the NYC revealed that the youth have been participating in numerous DRRM related activities such as community hazard mapping, search and rescue efforts, relief operations, mental health and psycho-social services, and CCA activities.

In spite of their active involvement, efforts are fragmented. The lack of youth representatives at the local levels makes for an uncoordinated approach, especially within the said sector, in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters, it was noted.

The RYAC’s move is in line with its 2015 Regional Youth Agenda and Strategic Action geared towards the achievement of the NYC’s two priority concern areas namely youth in agriculture and DRRM. (JDP/MAWC – PIA CAR)