THE SPECTER of La Niña looms large over Western Visayas, threatening the region with severe flooding and harsh weather conditions. Recent years have demonstrated how both La Niña and its counterpart, El Niño, can wreak havoc across the region. Robust resilience against climate phenomena is unmistakably clear. Our disaster preparedness and infrastructure must evolve to keep pace with the changing climate.
Under the oversight of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), efforts to fortify preparedness are commendable. Regular assessments of local government units’ (LGUs) readiness, strategic prepositioning of emergency supplies, and active inter-agency collaboration are a sensible approach to disaster management. However, as commendable as these steps are, they represent just the beginning of what needs to be a sustained, escalating effort.
Climate phenomena like La Niña are not episodic challenges but recurring trials testing the resilience of our infrastructure and the tenacity of our community planning. Thus, a shift in perspective is essential — from reactive measures to proactive resilience building. This means not only preparing to respond to disasters but also enhancing the infrastructure to withstand them. Investments in flood barriers, improved drainage systems, and resilient public buildings must be escalated. Each peso spent today on such enhancements is a potential reduction in the devastating costs of future recoveries.
But while physical infrastructure is a vital component, the human aspect of disaster preparedness is equally important. Continuous training for emergency response teams, public education on disaster readiness, and community drills should become more frequent and comprehensive. The recent Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training conducted by the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is a step in the right direction, preparing 43 participants from various units in critical response skills. Such initiatives not only enhance capabilities but also foster a culture of readiness that permeates through communities.
Inter-agency and inter-governmental cooperation is another pillar that needs strengthening. The Regional Task Force on La Niña is a positive move, ensuring that entities like the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and various governmental departments work in concert rather than in silos. This coordinated approach ensures that resources are maximized and responses are swift and efficient.
The lessons from past disasters must not go unheeded. The devastating impacts of previous climate events, which affected millions and caused significant economic losses, point to the dire consequences of inadequate preparedness. Learning from these events and integrating those lessons into future planning and execution is non-negotiable.
