MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday it is leading the rehabilitation planning for regions devastated by typhoon “Ompong.”
It will take the lead in formulating the Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (RRP) for areas struck by disasters or calamities as vice-chair for Rehabilitation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“Our NEDA Regional Offices are ready to take the lead in formulating the RRP for areas hit by typhoon ‘Ompong.’ As we transition from the Early Recovery Stage of restoring lifelines and releasing emergency assistance, we hope to build back better infrastructure and speed up recovery of livelihood in the Rehabilitation Stage,” Socioeconomic Planning secretary Ernesto Pernia said.
NEDA will have a hand in drafting the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, particularly in determining the typhoon’s economic impact.
The needs assessment will help estimate the cost of rehabilitation and in the formulation of a detailed RRP.
“With the Philippines’ position along the Pacific Ring of Fire and with climate change bringing us stronger and bigger storms, we must be proactive in adapting new technologies and measures that will reduce our vulnerability to natural disasters,” Pernia said.
The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 identifies the Evacuation Center Act as a priority legislation that will establish permanent and typhoon-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
The proposed bill is pending in Congress. (GMA News)
