A lawmaker on Monday backed the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) banning the foreign travel of all elective and appointive local officials in preparation for the onslaught of Supertyphoon Uwan, and said that this should be the policy when disasters are imminent.
Parañaque Second District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan, a former DILG official, stated that the physical presence of local chief executives and other local government executives involved in disaster risk reduction and management efforts is necessary to ensure swift and efficient response to disasters.
“As public servants, our priority should always be the welfare of the people. Unahin dapat ang kapakanan ng mga kababayan natin lalo na sa panahon ng parating na kalamidad,” said Yamsuan, a former Assistant Secretary of the DILG.
Yamsuan lauded DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla for ordering all elective and appointive local officials to cancel and suspend their foreign travel from November 9 to 15, ensuring their presence during pre-disaster preparations for Supertyphoon Uwan, as well as for response and recovery operations.
“Our suggestion is for Secretary Remulla’s directive to be the standard rule for all elective and appointive local officials whenever a disaster is about to hit or any emergency occurs in their respective areas of jurisdiction,” Yamsuan said.
