Disaster preparedness policies, and Albay’s Joey Salceda’s legacy

By Manuel T. Ugalde

It took years for many provinces in the Philippines to implement the true intent of a preemptive response during disasters—avoiding casualties. However, most local government units limited their efforts to voluntary evacuation of residents from affected areas. This lack of assertiveness often led to criticism of Albay’s preemptive measures under then-Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, who was accused of overreacting with his “zero casualty” approach—a doctrine he pioneered.

On Monday, November 18, 2024, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that Catanduanes bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Pepito. Remarkably, the province achieved zero casualties. NDRRMC Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno explained in press interviews that they implemented mandatory evacuations in typhoon-threatened areas days in advance. “Even if we are accused of overreacting, saving lives remains the government’s paramount concern,” Nepomuceno emphasized.

Despite this success in Catanduanes, reports revealed casualties in other provinces hit by Typhoon Pepito after its first landfall in Catanduanes on November 17. This occurred barely five years after Super Typhoon Rolly devastated Catanduanes and other Bicol provinces in 2020.

Nepomuceno did not mention Salceda’s pioneering role in the “zero casualty” approach, which the Bicolano legislator adopted during his three terms as Albay governor starting in 2007. Salceda’s approach has since become a benchmark for disaster risk reduction nationwide.

The Commission on Elections recently announced that Salceda is running for governor again after completing his term as a congressman. Rep. Zaldy Co of Ako Bicol, who chairs the powerful House Committee on Appropriations, revealed that Salceda had been offered a Cabinet position by Malacañang but declined it to prioritize Albay’s interests. Co, a climate change advocate, praised Salceda’s zero-casualty advocacy as a rallying point for the government, aligning with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s focus on reducing disaster casualties.

Notably, Salceda established the Climate Change Academy at Bicol University during his second term as governor, earning him recognition in 2013 as a Senior Global Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction. This achievement highlighted his commitment to institutionalizing disaster preparedness.

In one instance, Salceda authorized a preemptive evacuation three days before a reported typhoon landfall, costing Albay P19 million. Although the typhoon eventually spared the province, critics accused him of overreacting and misusing funds. A Commission on Audit (COA) report on the matter was published in The Manila Times by this writer, highlighting the evacuation’s cost. Salceda defended the expense, stating, “A preemptive response means avoiding casualties. Human life is of paramount importance, regardless of the cost.”

In 2014, when Mayon Volcano erupted for over a month, Salceda ordered the evacuation of over 80,000 residents. Despite the challenges of crowded evacuation centers and health issues, he stood firm. However, local political leaders held a caucus at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) office in Rawis, Legazpi, to criticize Salceda’s response, accusing him of using the situation to solicit foreign aid.

These criticisms of overreacting and alleged corruption negatively impacted Salceda politically. However, his strong advocacy for disaster preparedness and his unwavering focus on saving lives helped him secure a landslide victory as congressman for Albay’s second district, proving his critics wrong.