DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian meets with OCD Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, to strengthen disaster response operations last Monday at the OCD headquarters in Quezon City.
DSWD chief, OCD head meet
To discuss disaster preparedness response
IN line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to take proactive measures during calamities, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with other DSWD officials, met with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) led by Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, to discuss ways to make disaster response and efforts more responsive and effective.
During the meeting on Monday, April 17, at the OCD Headquarters in Quezon City, Gatchalian presented the “Buong Bansa Handa: A Whole-of-Nation Approach for Disaster Preparedness Response” framework.
The framework aims to create two parallel supply chain mechanisms for disaster relief efforts and prepositioning.
It also aims to engage the government at all levels, as well as the private sector, in mobilizing resources to address food security and social protection during disasters and crises.
OCD Director Cesar M. Idio led the orientation on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) structure and its “Response and Early Recovery” efforts.
As the vice-chair for Disaster Response Pillar under the NDRRMC and as the lead agency for Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Protection, and Food and Non-Food Clusters – the DSWD is committed to strengthening its efforts to guarantee the efficient and effective delivery of services and programs to disaster-stricken families.
As part of his visit to the OCD headquarters, Gatchalian was also given a quick tour of the NDRRMC Operations Center.
The DSWD also stated that it will continue to explore ways to improve its capacity for disaster preparedness and response so necessary assistance will be immediately delivered to the disaster-affected localities.
