Interview of mayor madelaine, iriga city

Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts: An Interview with the Mayor MAYOR Madelaine Alfelor of Iriga City acted quickly to develop capacities among local governments in the Philippines regarding city resilience issue. After Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) held in November 2016 in New Delhi, the Lady Mayor organized a regional workshop on implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR): “The Local Implementation of the SFDRR: Making Cities Resilient Campaign in the Philippines.”Further concerns of the driven mayor is reflected in our interview with her below.

1. On 28-29 November 2016, there was a workshop on implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). What is your expectation for holding this workshop?

Local Governments need access to effective tools and templates in dealing with the threat of disasters. I believe the SFDRR will provide the answers to Local Governments in identifying alternative and applicable strategies, policies and courses of actions needed to make our Cities resilient. Likewise, the workshop will expose Local Chief Executives and frontline service providers to effectively manage and reduce urban risks, incorporate disaster resilience in all programs and projects of the City, engage citizen participation and generate resources.

2. Regarding Disaster Risk Reduction in Iriga City, what were efforts taken by Iriga City’s Local Government?

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The City has embarked on a program aimed not only at strengthening the 4 thematic areas of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), i.e. preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery/rehabilitation, but particularly in making our communities and families resilient in terms of dealing with disasters and its effect. Thus, the city has undertaken the following: a. Formulated the DRRM Plan& Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Plan through series of workshops and people’s participatory approach. Identified programs, projects and activities were provided corresponding funding from local and other sources; b. Continuous capability building program for frontline service providers; c. Engagement of the community and stakeholders in all aspect of DRRM/CCA activities i.e. planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource generation; d. Strengthening of the DRRM Office on the area of manpower complement, logistics, networking with other agencies and entities, information technology; e. Partnership agreement with private individuals & groups on the 4 thematic areas of DRRM; f. Engagement with the academe, business and government sectors on information education campaign initiatives to radiate policies and information to all levels of the community; g. Since Region V is a typhoon prone area, initiated the organization of all DRRM Officers in the whole Region V to strengthen relationships among service providers and local leaders in building disaster resiliency and develop a common agenda to ensure implementation of the SFDRR. 3. In implementing above efforts, what challenges did you find?

The most common issues/challenges we encountered are the following: a. Meager resources available to finance various DRRM initiatives; b. Lack of coordination between DRR policy makers and service providers on prioritizing vulnerable areas and the required interventions; c. Lack of cooperation of some community members to mainstream DRR in their way of life; d. No DRRM Officer designated.

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4. How did you overcome the challenges? a. We adopted the resource utilization strategy of Cost Efficiency by prioritizing expenditures according to needs. External resource generation was also strengthened by collaborating with other agencies particularly on logistical support, capability building/ training program &ICT. We also entered into partnership agreements with concerned local entities on the other service areas like health, shelter, food and relief, etc. b. We developed a standard vulnerability analysis acceptable to all DRR actors and service providers and laid out guidelines for interventions. c. Massive information education campaign program were conducted along the schools, barangays, business sector and even on the household level using tri-media approaches. d. We adhere to the notion of preventive than curative. People must be self- efficient, taught them the basic techniques to be ready at all times. e. Strict implementation of the building code.

5. Please explore your future plan regarding your city’s resilience in disaster risk reduction.

To make our City resilient in disaster risk reduction, our first agenda is to update the Comprehensive Land Use Plan by integrating DRRM & CCA component in all sectors of the plan and mainstreaming it into the other plans of the city such as the Comprehensive Development Plan, Annual Investment Plan & 20% Development Fund. We shall also strengthen our Public-Private Partnership initiatives with concerned agencies and entities along the 4 thematic areas. Membership in the CDRRM Council shall be expanded to include academe, government, business/industry sector, volunteer groups, and other stakeholders.

Continuing networking and alliances with DRR actors and service providers shall also be conducted. We have to prepare everyone to be emotionally, mentally and physically ready at all times.