Lorenzana seeks passage of disaster management department bill

SUBIC, Zambales – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday urged Congress to pass a proposed measure seeking the creation of a new department, which would focus on disaster management and promote resiliency during calamities.

Lorenzana said the bill remains pending in Congress.

“We expect the measure to become a law maybe in a year’s time,” Lorenzana told reporters who participated in the Advance Disaster Risk Reduction and Management course here.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council initiated a fourday seminar for media workers to help the government promote public awareness and resiliency during calamities.

At least 20 typhoons enter the country every year, according to the state weather bureau.

He noted that there are several versions of the proposed department on disaster management.

Lorenzana cited the need for the government to improve its response system during calamities after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck the country on Nov. 8, 2013.

He noted that the first responders were Americans, whose aircraft landed in Leyte and distributed relief goods to the typhoon victims.

Four years after Yolanda, Lorenzana said the government has adequate equipment to respond to calamities.