The House of Representatives has supported a measure declaring Dec. 16 of every year as the “Sendong Memorial and Disaster Preparedness Day” in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City.
Rep. Maximo Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City, principal author of House Bill 2580, said typhoon “Sendong” entered the country late night of Dec. 16, 2011 and hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City during the wee hours of Dec. 17, 2011. Sendong caused tremendous damage including loss of lives and destruction of property, which led the past administration to ssue Proclamation 303 declaring a state of national calamity, he said. The House has approved the measure on third and final reading.
“To constantly remind us of what the wrath of Mother Nature can do and remember both the victims and those involved in rescue, a day of remembrance should be held every year in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, wherein exhibits and forums on disaster awareness and disaster readiness are conducted along with other activities which would remind us of the damage that Mother Nature can bring if we do not take care of our environment,” Rodriguez said.
Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Rodriguez said Sendong affected at least 92,964 families or 641, 098 persons. Reports cited that at least 1,010 people were found dead while about 200 persons were missing.
The bill mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to lead the tree planting and reforestation activities.
The bill also mandates the NDRRMC to carry out forums on disaster and risk reduction in Cagayan de Oro City, while the Climate Change Commission shall conduct forums on climate change adaption.
The local government units (LGUs) of Cagayan de Oro and Ilagan Cities shall convene their respective Local Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) to conduct seminars for the implementation of disaster risk reduction measures.
The non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shall organize information campaign to increase disaster awareness, climate change, the ill effect of abusing the environment, disaster preparedness and readiness.