DILG chief hails Albay for achieving zero-casualty during disasters

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Albay leads other provinces prone to disasters in terms of system preparedness and people’s cooperation in mitigating the impacts of disasters on people and property, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said here on Thursday.

Remulla, here for an official visit, said the Albay model for disaster response must be replicated nationwide.

“I came here to learn so pinag-aralan ko yung disaster risk reduction program ng Albay, which is the best in the country,” he told a press briefing.

“We’re going to make institutional changes around the country using Albay as a model, lalo na yung zero casualty drive at pre-emptive response,” he added.

Albay, which frequently experiences typhoons and volcanic eruptions, has successfully achieved zero casualties during these calamities, positioning it as a model for the government’s zero casualty goal.

“This is very important as the laboratory of a disaster. You have an institutionalized system that’s why I came here,” added Remulla, who inspected the tools and logistics of Albay on preemptive disaster risk management.

After the interview, Albay Governor Noel Rosal mentioned that the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government credited Albay’s success to the comprehensive and proactive disaster risk reduction and management strategy implemented by the provincial government and the city and municipal governments.

“He commended the entire local government units —15 municipalities and three cities. He commended the commitment of the mayors,” Rosal said. (PIA Bicol)