Accurate and timely information relayed to residents even before a disaster strikes will save lives and minimize destruction of property, “ Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman  said as she lauded the efforts of  government agencies in Region XII to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Operational Guidelines and Procedures for Regional Emergency Communication Network.

Just recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development  (DSWD) in Region XII joined other regional government agencies and local government units in the signing of the MOA

The Operational Guidelines defines the roles, tasks and responsibilities of the agencies comprising the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region XII on effectively generating and disseminating early warning information during emergencies.  It also highlights the various communication and warning services during occurrence of flood and landslide, earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption, health hazards, socio political and security risks, and civil disturbance.

DSWD  Assistant Regional Director Gemma Rivera who signed for the DSWD said that the MOA shall strengthen inter-agency cooperation in times of disaster to prevent further loss of lives and properties. She added that the emergency broadcast will provide the people with accurate information giving them enough lead time to prepare or to evacuate, if necessary.

“DSWD is the frontliner in providing social welfare and relief services in the occurrence of disasters and calamities, but we need to ensure that the proper protocols are followed and coordination among agencies is observed,” she said. ###