I would suggest that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) be convened immediately so the members of the Cabinet can mobilize the different agencies using their Quick Response Funds (QRF) and other relevant appropriations available under their disposal, among others.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) should be required to submit an initial Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in areas devastated by Odette. This will guide the President to prioritize aid and assistance based on the needs and extent of damage.

For its part, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should organize a meeting with the different ambassadors to appeal to the international community of nations for assistance just like what we did days after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda.

Meanwhile, there is also a need to organize the mobilization of the country’s business and private sector to extend assistance in order to maximize and prioritize relief and rehabilitation efforts in the hardest hit areas. As it is happening now, efforts are disorganized and the interventions of politicians and presumptive candidates are not helping much.

All these will help us to prepare for the possible spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. As I have repeatedly stressed, the judicious spending of funds based on accurate data is the key.

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Isang inisyal na Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) na tutukoy sa mga lugar na dapat bigyang prayoridad sa relief efforts at ang paghingi ng tulong sa international community para sa relief assistance.

Ito ang magkatambal na formula para masiguro na makakaabot sa mga biktima ng bagyong Odette ang kailangan nilang tulong, ayon kay Senador Ping Lacson.

Para kay Lacson na pinuno ng Senate Committee on National Defense at nanungkulan bilang Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR), ang mga hakbang na ito ay makakatulong sa mga inisyal na aksyon na ginawa ng gobyerno para matugunan ang sitwasyon sa mga apektadong lugar.

Related: Lacson Pushes 2-Pronged Approach to Speed Up ‘Odette’ Relief Efforts
Continue reading “Ping, Isinusulong ang Magkatambal na Hakbang Para Mapabilis ang Pagtulong sa mga Nasalanta ni ‘Odette’” →

An initial Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) that can help pinpoint areas to prioritize relief efforts on one hand, and calling on the international community for relief assistance on the other.

This is the two-pronged formula that can ensure Filipinos affected by Typhoon Odette will get their much-needed assistance, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said.

Lacson, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and who served as Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR), said these will complement the initial steps taken by the government to address the situation.

Related: Ping, Isinusulong ang Magkatambal na Hakbang Para Mapabilis ang Pagtulong sa mga Nasalanta ni ‘Odette’
Continue reading “Lacson Pushes 2-Pronged Approach to Speed Up ‘Odette’ Relief Efforts” →

If it was done through private communication, I would have responded privately as well and offered whatever resources we can share at our disposal in a coordinated effort.

Since it was done through media – it goes against my principled belief that “calamity politics” is the lowest form of campaigning. In fact I consider it abominable.

As in the past calamities, my Senate office as well as friends and supporters assisted without fanfare and without any media coverage. We did it in Cagayan Valley, and Bicol region and some other areas hit by strong typhoons.

Election or no election, we assist and help, period.

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