Southern Leyte Solon seeks implementation of Republic Act 10121

By R.G. Cadavos, PIA Southern Leyte
January 14, 2011

SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte  –  Southern Leyte District Congressman Roger G. Mercado seek for the proper implementation of Republic Act 10121 or known as an act strengthening the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system, approved last May 2010.

In an interview with the Lone District Representative at Barangay Malibago, during President Benigno S. Aquino’s visit at Saint Bernard, he said that the law as a whole “provides for the national disaster risk reduction, it addresses the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country’s institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience of local communities, among others.”

The congressman likewise urged the municipalities, particularly those calamity-prone areas to help the government implement properly the disaster risk reduction law to minimize if not avoid tragedies like what happened to the past, referring to the flooding and landslide incidents that killed three minors few weeks back.

“RA 10121 is understandable,” he disclosed and added that he will ask for a review of the law if it is enforced or if there are some lapses. “It is now time to agree for a relocation – for the lasting safety of the residents,” he said.

Cong. Mercado who was happy upon the arrival of Pres. Aquino to respond to the problems of the local government, specifically in Saint Bernard, bared for a possible scenario for the residents who lived in a calamity-prone place.  “A re-channelling of the Lawigan River, a permanent relocation for the residents, the after-effect of the tragedy which will include a relocation site, food and shelter, their means of livelihood and the like,” he told.

While the disaster risk reduction law will recognize and strengthen the capacities of the local government units and communities in mitigating and preparing for, responding to and recovering from the impact of any disaster.