The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened on Tuesday for its second quarter meeting to discuss contingency plans for emergency situations in the National Capital Region.
As head of the council and concurrent chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), lawyer Romando Artes emphasized the importance of having a clear understanding of the necessary steps to take during disasters, calamities, and other emergencies.
“It is crucial for each agency and local government to engage in thorough planning and preparation to address the needs of their constituents,” he said.
Among the topics discussed during the meeting was the strengthening of response actions to flash floods, particularly during the rainy season.
The MMDA is implementing various programs on solid waste management to help mitigate flooding issues in Metro Manila.
Additionally, the meeting covered several important topics, including updates on weather and climate outlooks, as well as public health surveillance updates related to MPOX, COVID-19, HIV, dengue, and leptospirosis.
It also discussed a draft resolution for the institutionalization of the Tangguyob Quarterly Thematic Pillar Convergence Meeting for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and resilience, which will define the rules and regulations governing its implementation.
Updates were also provided on Oplan Metro Yakal and various thematic areas related to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, early recovery, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.
In the previous year, the council discussed updates from the Metro Manila Water Crisis Committee and some measures aimed at reducing the impact of El Niño.
The council also passed resolutions supporting the Magna Carta for DRRM workers and discussed disaster preparedness workshops organized by various government agencies in anticipation of a possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
