Legarda: Learn from Past Disasters to Build a Resilient Future

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today stressed on the need to lessen the necessity for disaster relief by making good use of lessons learned from past disasters to build a resilient future for Filipinos.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that as a country exposed to storms, the Philippines should now be typhoon-resilient at the very least.

“We should now be experts in preparing for typhoons. After all, we have already experienced Ondoy, Pepeng, Pablo and Sendong. Unfortunately, Yolanda happened and we only realize that we have yet to do what we ought to do,” she said.

The Senator pointed out that when disaster strikes a part of the nation, it does not only affect that particular area, it also impacts the economy, which in turn affects everyone in the country.

She noted that losses due to Yolanda are estimated at Php571 billion, which represents close to five percent of the Philippines annual GDP. Meanwhile, for this century, global losses from disasters are in the range of $2.5 trillion.

Legarda cited five major factors that contribute to the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards. These are: ecosystems decline, exposure of economic assets, poverty, rapid growth of cities, and climate change.

She also shared five points to overcome these vulnerabilities through an environmental program audit, risk-sensitive planning and investment, strengthening social protection, advancing economic and business resilience, and promoting community resilience.

“As a fundamental development strategy, building resilience would help our government sustain the country’s socio-economic gains, make a difference in poverty reduction, and eventually ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals,” said Legarda.

“Tragedies such as Ondoy, Sendong and Yolanda create the context for learning and growing. It is these disasters that make us resilient. It is our shared memory of death, loss and survival that should drive us to build a resilient future,” she concluded.

Courtesy Call of New US Ambassador

Senator Loren Legarda received US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg for a courtesy call at her Senate Office on 17 January 2014. Senator Legarda discussed with Ambassador Goldberg the status of US-Philippine cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction, defense and inter-country abduction. 

“Dugo ng Buhay”: A Joint blood Letting Activity at 7ID

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division commanded by Maj Gen Hernando DCA Iriberri AFP and Japan Association of Novo Ecijanos (JANE) headed by Miss Mari “Mayang” Bernabe-Nihei, Association President, conducted a joint bloodletting activity with theme dubbed as “Dugo ng Buhay” held at Kaugnay Officers Clubhouse here, today (January 21, 2013).

The activity was made possible with the support and cooperation of the Central Luzon Media Association; Kaugnay Media Defense Corps; Order of the Amaranth, District V, Central Luzon; Japan Nueva Ecija Foundation; Pacific Guarantee Tax Refund of Naoji Kataoka, Japan; NPO and Pinoy Banzai TV Japan; Golden Beans and Grains Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Cabanatuan City Bankers Club; Rotary Club of Cabanatuan City; and Philippine Red Cross – Nueva Ecija Chapter. 

A total of 72 bags or 32,400 cc of fresh blood were successfully extracted from 90 donors coming from the media, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and 7ID organic personnel Candidate Soldier trainees.

In his remarks, Lt Col Michael G Samson, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the members of the media, NGOs, and the Association of Novo Ecijanos in Japan headed by Miss Bernabe-Nihei, who readily supported the successful conduct of the activity. He ended his message by urging everyone present to nurture the molded partnership by venturing into similar activities and endeavor.

PRO3 DRUG BUST NETS SEVEN

            SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga- Police Regional Office 3 under the stint of PCSUPT Raul D Petrasanta, Regional Director, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) once again proved that PRO3 is stern in its campaign against illegal drugs. Various accomplishments on drug- supply reduction strategy were accomplished by PRO3 through series of drug operations conducted by Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office which resulted in the arrest of seven (7) suspected drug pushers and confiscation from their possession of numerous illegal drugs and illegal firearms.

         

          On January 18, 2014, elements of Gen. Tinio Police Station conducted Anti-Illegal Drug operation in Brgy Padolina, Gen Tinio, Nueva Ecija that resulted in the arrest of Norman Evangelista y Bulacan, a resident of Brgy Concepcion, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija  and Alexander Bote y Reyes, a resident of Brgy Padolina, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija and the confiscation/seizure from their possession of one (1) small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing “Shabu”  weighing more or less  0.31 grams with an estimated market value of five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00.); two(2) small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet Methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as “shabu” weighing more or less 0.03 grams and 0.02 grams with an estimated market value of five hundred pesos (Php 500.00) each; one (1) caliber .38 revolver snub-nosed (paltik) without serial number with three (3) live ammos for caliber 38.

 

            Likewise, on same date, elements of San Jose CPS conducted Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation at Daang Maharlika, Brgy. Malasin, San Jose City that resulted to the arrest of Arnold Serrano y Tabunan,  a resident of Brgy. Baloc, Sto Domingo, Nueva Ecija and confiscated from his possession is one (1) heat sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected Methamphetamine Hydrochloride commonly known as “shabu” and five hundred pesos (Php 500.00) used as marked money. 

 

            Elements of San Leonardo MPS also conducted buy bust operation at Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija on same date that resulted to the arrest of Roberto Elvambuena y Paras @ Obet, a resident of Barangay Burgos, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija and the confiscation/seizure of one (1) small heat sealed plastic transparent sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as “shabu” weighing more or less 0.21grams with an estimated market value of one thousand pesos(Php 1,000.00)

 

          Moreover, on January 17, 2014, a buy bust operation was conducted by elements of PIB-PAIDSOTF at Purok 3 Brgy. Imelda, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija that resulted in the arrest of Cristal Estares y Mallari @ Istal and Christian Estares y Mallari @ Itan, both residents of Purok 2 Brgy Imelda, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija and confiscation from their possession of ten (10) pcs of small heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu; one (1) pc one hundred peso bill; and one (1) pc two hundred peso bill.         

 

            Consequently on same date, elements of INTEL/DEU of Cabanatuan City Police Station conducted Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation (Buy-Bust) at De Guzman St., Kap. Pepe, Cabanatuan City that resulted in the arrest of Loreta Mactal y Francisco @ Lorie, a resident of Brgy. MS Garcia, Cabanatuan City and confiscation/seizure of fifteen (15) pieces of small heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected Methamphetamine Hydrochloride commonly known as “shabu” with an estimated market value of thirty two - thousand pesos (Php32,000.00) and  five hundred peso bill (Php 500.00) marked money.

 

            Appropriate charges are being readied against arrested suspects and seized evidence are under the custody of Nueva Ecija Police Crime Laboratory Office for laboratory examination.

 

            Operating troops were once again lauded for their successful anti- illegal drug operations.

 

            Further, PCSupt Petrasanta said that series of operations on drug- supply reduction strategy will be carried out in the coming days to maximize efforts to eradicate the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.

BATAS KASAMBAHAY UP FOR INITIAL ASSESSMENT

MANILA-One year upon the enactment of the Batas Kasambahay, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is calling for a nationwide policy evaluation to know how effective the law has been in terms of addressing the concerns and providing relief to domestic workers.

 

“How many domestic workers are now registered with the Social Security System, Philhealth, and Pag-IBIG and are enjoying these social security benefits? How many barangays are now maintaining a Registry of Domestic Workers in their jurisdiction? What is the compliance rate among employers regarding the new minimum wage rates for their kasambahay?” Jinggoy asked as he referred to several directives provided by the law.

 

Batas Kasambahay, formally known as Republic Act 10361 or the Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, was signed into law last January 18, 2013.

 

“I cannot deny the fact that we should amend and insert new provisions to the existing law to further ensure that its objectives of better working conditions and humane treatment for domestic workers are fully realized,” said Sen. Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and principal author and sponsor of the measure.

 

Jinggoy relayed the message to the participants of the first Kasambahay Summit held in Bacoor, Cavite last Saturday which coincided with the first anniversary of the enactment of RA 10361.

 

Sen. Estrada also welcomed inputs and feedback from concerned stakeholders regarding the implementation of the “Batas Kasambahay” in view of strengthening the law that provides benefits and privileges and establishes standards for the employment of domestic workers.

 

“I hope that you will share the results and recommendations emerging from this summit, to enlighten the policymakers as to what specific stipulation needs to be improved, deleted and revised,” Sen. Estrada said.

 

Recently, a bill was proposed in the Senate which will provide 20% discount for medicines and medical and dental services for the domestic workers and their families. Another bill was filed which seeks to grant tax incentives up to 20,000 pesos for employers for expenses incurred for education and training of household helpers.

 

Sen. Estrada urged other local government units to hold their own Kasambahay Summit to monitor the execution and effectiveness of the law.

 

In his video message shown during the event, Sen. Estrada recounted the rough road he has to tread and how he endured criticisms and negative commentary as he persistently pushed for the passage of this landmark measure for years.

 

“Sanay na po ako sa mga batikos, insulto at mga walang basehang akusasyon. Pero hindi po ako nawalan ng lakas ng loob dahil alam kong nasa likod ko ang humigit-kumulang na dalawang milyong mga kasambahay at mga employer na may malasakit sa mga kasambahay. Masigasig kong isinulong na maipasa ang batas na ito sa Kongreso dahil alam kong ito ay positibong magbibigay proteksyon para sa mga kasambahay,” Jinggoy recalled.

Rehab funds in national budget carry “do not plunder” warning

MANILA-The Senate has erected a “do not plunder” sign in the P20 billion fund to rehabilitate Yolanda-hit and quake-damaged areas in the Visayas.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said that a special provision of the P20 billion budget for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program in the 2014 national budget inflicts long jail terms and hefty fines for those who will embezzle rebuilding funds.

The provision states that “any government official, employee and person who shall misuse any amount of the fund under his control or administration shall suffer the maximum penalty imposed under the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 3019, Republic Act 7080 and under penal laws.”

Under RA 7080, or the Anti-Plunder Law, life imprisonment and a life-time ban on holding public office shall be meted out to any person who amasses at least P75 million in bribes or kickbacks from government projects.

Republic Act 3019 punishes graft and corrupt practices with imprisonment of up to 10 years, a perpetual ban from occupying public office and confiscation of unexplained wealth manifestly out of proportion of the guilty official’s lawful income.

Stealing a measly P200 in public money, on the other hand, will result in prison time of between six months and six years under the Revised Penal Law.

Recto praised Sen. Chiz Escudero, chair of the Senate finance committee, for drafting the language of this “plunder warning” provision. 

“This is the first time that a provision of this nature has been incorporated in the national budget and this is thanks to Senator Chiz,” Recto said.

“Sa simpleng salita, may matinding babala sa budget na mabubulok sa kulungan ang sino mang magnanakaw ng pondo para sa mga sinalanta ng bagyo at lindol,” Recto explained.

After a series of man-made and natural calamities hit the country on the second half of last year, Recto said the Senate, by cutting the fat and trimming the overhead of some government agencies and programs, cobbled together a P20 billion fund for the rebuilding of disaster-hit areas.

Covered by the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program are reconstruction works in areas devastated by typhoons Yolanda, Santi, Odette, Sendong, Vinta and Labuyo; by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Bohol and Cebu; and civil strife in Zamboanga City.

Under the 2014 General Appropriations Act, the funds shall be released directly to implementing agencies based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and upon the approval of President Aquino.

Earmarked to receive the funds are the Department of Agriculture (P500 million), Department of Education (P1 billion), Department of Energy (P500 million), State Universities and Colleges (P3 billion), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (P1 billion), Department of Health (P1 billion).

Department of Public Works and Highways  (P5 billion), National Housing Authority  (P1.5 billion), Department of Social Welfare and Development (P3.5 billion), Department of Transportation and Communications (P1 billion) and local governments ( P2 billion).

These agencies are required to post in their respective websites the description of the projects, the cost, the winning bidders and the status of their implementation.

Recto explained that the rehabilitation and reconstruction fund is but one of the budgetary sources of reconstruction money. The others are the P13 billion Calamity Fund and P80 billion in the Unprogrammed Fund.

He said the “plunder warning” is also in effect in these appropriations. 

Legarda: Use the New Trafficking Law to Prosecute Cyber Porn Offenders

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the need to make full use of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act to arrest and prosecute offenders of cyber pornography.

In her privilege speech, Legarda, principal sponsor of the said law, expressed alarm over recent headlines on cases of children being subjected to online pornography, some even by their own parents and guardians.

“Police authorities have already deemed cyber pornography as the top crime in the country today. The fact is already hard to take. What makes it even more unimaginable is that many of the victims of this high-tech form of illegal human trade are children. We need to put an end to these kinds of abuses,” she said.

The Senator explained that under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, harboring a child for purposes of prostitution or production of pornographic materials is considered trafficking.

Furthermore, the crime is not plain trafficking but qualified trafficking when the offender is the parent, guardian or someone who exercises authority over the child. Any person found guilty of qualified trafficking shall serve life imprisonment.

Legarda added that The Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law, a measure she likewise authored, also penalizes sexual acts, including prostitution, committed against a woman or child.

“We support the Department of Justice, as head of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, and the National Bureau of Investigation for the full and effective implementation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. We raise the possibility of the Supreme Court creating special courts to expedite the prosecution of human trafficking cases especially those that involve children. We support a massive information and education campaign against trafficking and cyberporn,” Legarda said.

In a relation to the proliferation of cyber pornography incidences, the Senator filed a bill that would protect minors from accessing pornographic materials over the Internet.

Under Senate Bill No. 532, the Anti-Computer Pornography Act, acts such as transmitting or offering to transmit information containing indecent materials to a minor and providing access to transmission of said materials to a minor will be considered a crime.

“We need to curb cyber pornography and all forms of human trafficking. We need to work together to put an end to the illegal human trade. We need to beef up our efforts now and save the lives of the many innocent children who are hoping that soon they will be rescued from slavery and be able to tread on a new path for a brighter future,” Legarda concluded.

AFP Gains Increase in 2013, Poised for More Vigorous IPSO

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) conducted a Command Conference with its senior military leaders to discuss the gains of its internal peace and security operations (IPSO) and significant headways in the IPSP Bayanihan, today at Camp Aguinaldo.

On Campaign against Armed Struggle

The NPA miserably failed in achieving its goals bound on its 5-Year Central Plan which ended in 2013. They were unsuccessful in expanding their mass base support as 16 more provinces were normalized last year.  This makes the latest overall success to 43 provinces (to include Pampanga) out of the 64 NPA-affected provinces nationwide (56%).

Also, a total of 824 NPA personalities were neutralized and 425 firearms were gained in 2013.

Contained Peace Spoilers

Rogue-MNLF Elements

Against the Rogue Moro National Liberation Front Elements (RMEs), the AFP was able to neutralize 502 RMEs; 208 killed, 24 surrendered, and 270 captured/apprehended during the defense of Zamboanga last September. A total of 324 firearms were also recovered.

On the government side, the AFP suffered 197 casualties; 20 killed in action, and 177 wounded in action while 195 hostages were safely rescued.

The RMEs do not represent the whole MNLF who is supportive of the peace process in Mindanao, therefore the AFP will ensure that the process is not hampered or disrupted by these rogue elements.

Lahad Datu Incident

During the incident in Lahad Datu, Sabah last February 2013, the AFP deployed ground, air and naval assets against armed followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram to prevent spillover and assist displaced persons.

BIFF

Against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the AFP continued the conduct of its focused military operations to contain the threat in few areas. The AFP was able to effectively limit their capability to sabotage or derail the on-going GPH-MILF Peace Process.

Support to Peace Process

Efforts against spoilers to the peace process are being done in line with the AFP’s continued commitment to support the on-going peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Currently, peace talks with the MILF are progressing well as we are in near realization of forging a final peace agreement with the group.

The two parties have already signed three Annexes (Transition Modalities; Wealth Sharing; Power Sharing) while the last Annex on Normalization is still being negotiated.

Proving the success of supporting the peace process is the government’s gains from the Closure Agreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA). Last year, the military was able to integrate 168 CPLA members in the AFP. In the process, 403 firearms were also turned-over to the armed forces while the government’s livelihood assistance project, PAMANA were delivered in the Cordillera.

Remarkable Stride in Adherence to Human Rights

One of the essential factors of the AFP’s success is the military’s continued adherence to Human Rights, the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law. Alleged human rights violations went down by 88% with only 11 cases in 2013 from 96 in 2010.

HADR Accomplishments

Among the significant Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations conducted by the AFP in coordination with other NDRRMC member agencies were: the active HADR response as part of the ‘first responders’ in the Zamboanga crisis, Bohol Earthquake, and Typhoon Yolanda.

The AFP’s participation in the disaster relief operations in Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas reached as high as 25,526 personnel who were directly involved in the HADR operations. In addition, all available strategic lift and mobility assets from the major services were utilized. AFP units were tasked organized under Central Command for HADR mission in coordination with the NDRRMC and foreign military contingents.

Bantay Bayanihan Assessment

The Civil Society Organization-led Bantay Bayanihan, says the AFP is gaining ground and can potentially gain more ground if the IPSP Bayanihan is sustained. 

Further, the AFP has generally enhanced trust among peace and security stakeholders especially in the provinces.

Perception of security in communities is notably enhanced when there is increased transparency; accountability; communication lines being opened; openness to cultural sensitivity; adherence and respect for HR, IHL, RoL; and multi-stakeholder engagement.

They also recognize that IPSP is planting seeds. Seeds do not grow to trees and bear fruit overnight. They have to be nurtured and sustained to flourish.

Cohesive Organization

Despite the Election period and the calamities and disasters that struck the country last year, the AFP was able to accomplish much.

For this year, the AFP is fully poised to vigorously conduct internal peace and security operations to meet the objectives of IPSP Bayanihan.

“We must consolidate our gains and sustain our momentum. In the face of any challenge, the cohesiveness of the entire AFP will always be our best assurance,” General Bautista said.

Legarda Partners with UN on Disaster Risk Insurance Forum

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) are organizing a high level forum on strengthening disaster risk insurance in the Philippines as part of an effective strategy to improve the country’s resilience.

“This forum will focus on the need to protect our properties and our economy from the growing strength of natural hazards. While our foremost concern in times of disasters is to secure lives, we cannot overlook the need to protect as well the things that would sustain life such as the sources of livelihood and employment,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change

The high level forum, which will be held on January 21, 2014 at the Senate, will gather experts on disaster risk insurance led by Rowan Douglas of the Willis Group and Ernst Rauch of Munich Re, Philippine government officials led by Senate President Franklin Drilon and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, members of the business sector, and other stakeholders to discuss about how the government, private sector, and citizens can work together to build disaster resilience by protecting properties and the economy from disaster risks.

Legarda, who is also UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that the forum will highlight the need to strengthen disaster risk management, primarily by promoting risk transfer mechanisms like insurance, which is vital for the future resilience of the Philippines.

“While we are grateful to nations that generously donate to us for our post-disaster needs, we cannot always and greatly depend on them; we must instead strengthen our capability to get back on our feet on our own immediately. We cannot always divert development funds to rehabilitation projects because that would cause great setbacks on our national growth; we must instead promote risk insurance and set up guarantee funds that we can tap for post-disaster activities. Moreover, the cost of relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts would be much less if we strengthen our resilience to disasters,” she stressed.

“The Department of Finance is on the right track towards building resilience with its proposal on a guarantee fund for lending institutions and an insurance mechanism for local government units to facilitate speedy recovery and rebuilding of communities and industries affected by disasters,” she added.

The Senator also said that since disasters drive the poor deeper into poverty, the low-income sector must understand the importance of micro-insurance, which caters to their needs such as protection from health and property risks, so that they are aware of their options to ensure their safety and preserve their resources.

She added that social protection schemes, such as crop insurance to ease impact on highly vulnerable groups including farmers and fisherfolk during disasters, must also be promoted.

“This forum will provide us with fresh insights on the importance of affordable and cost-effective disaster risk financing and insurance programs, which are key components of disaster risk management strategies. The best choice we have is to make our nation disaster-resilient to free us from the exhausting and costly cycle of rebuilding our communities every single time nature unleashes its wrath,” Legarda concluded.

Insurgents No Longer in Northern Luzon

BALER, Aurora-The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the whole Northern Luzon area as insurgency-free after Pampanga became the 22^nd and last province to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that the insurgents are now no longer in the said place.

The AFP, led by its Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, signed the MOA together with Northern Luzon Command commander Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Army 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division commander Major General Hernando Iriberri, Army 703rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Henry Sabarrre, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia and Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Oscar Albayalde declaring the province as “peaceful and ready for further development” after decades of successful campaign by the military against the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

Bautista expressed his gladness to be able to witness the transformation of Pampanga from a hot bed of socialist and anti-government movements to an insurgency-free area, saying that the event is significant because it signifies the victorious quest against poverty and the plight of the people caused by rebel forces.

“This also puts an end to our 45 years of battle against insurgency as we showed victories against the rebels,” Bautista said, pointing out that the insurgency problem for so long, and so many died and suffered, and many families were broken because of that and now ended the culture of violence.

“This is the time for us to unite and abandon the armed struggle and time to live in peace and prosperity,” Bautista said.

Relative to this, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said that the efforts and hard work of all local chief executives and chiefs of police in all towns and cities in order to attain the status is a great achievement in her province.

Pineda also expressed that the declaration will surely a big boost in terms of internal peace and security and in the quality of life of Kapampangans.

“The Insurgency-free declaration will attract more investors to generate more revenues and more job opportunities which will in turn will help in uplifting the quality of life of our people living peacefully; however, in order to sustain this status, everyone should work hand-in-hand by doing his role in securing internal peace,” Pineda reminded.

Record showed in the MOA that Pampanga is peaceful and ready for further development.

The PNP is now the lead role in fighting remnants of insurgents with the support of the military that will remain primarily for stakeholder engagement programs.

The MOA is also a formal demonstration of different local and other government agencies to reinvigorate their roles in peace and development in their community.

This is also a way to accept and assert the local government's lead role in orchestrating the efforts of all agencies and stakeholders in the delivery of services designed to address the primary socio-economic issues.

It could be remembered that the other provinces in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera were declared insurgency free from 2009 to 2013.

These are La union and Nueva Viscaya in 2009; Apayao, Aurora, Quirino, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Kalinga in 2010; Ilocos Norte and Benguet in 2011; Zambales, Abra and Bataan in 2012; and Batanes, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cagayan, Ifugao, Bulacan and Mt. Province in 2013.

AFP record showed that 43 out of 75 provinces nationwide were already normalized. (Jason de Asis)

AFP Declares Pampanga as Insurgency-free

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – In recognition of the role of local governments in internal security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turned over to the Provincial Government of Pampanga the lead role in fighting insurgency after decades of a successful campaign of the military against the New People's Army.

In a ceremony held today, January 15 in Bacolor Pampanga, the AFP led by its Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista signed a memorandum of agreement declaring the province as "peaceful and ready for further development."

"We showed here in Pampanga one of our victories against the 45 years of insurgency in the country. We have had the insurgency problem for so long, and so many died and suffered, and many families were broken because of that. Now it is time to end the culture of violence. It is time for us to unite and abandon the armed struggle and time to live in peace and prosperity," Gen Bautista said.

Gen Bautista was joined by LtGen Gregorio Pio P Catapang, Commander of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); MGen Hernando DCA Iriberri, Commander of 7th Infantry Division; and BGen Henry G Sabarre, 703rd Infantry Brigade; Pampanga governor Lilia G Pineda; and other local government and police officials.

With the MOA, the Philippine National Police will now take the lead role in fighting insurgents with the support of a military that will remain primarily for stakeholder engagement programs.

The MOA is also a formal demonstration of different LGUs and other Government agencies to reinvigorate their role in peace and development in their community. This is also a way to accept and assert the local government's lead role in orchestrating the efforts of all agencies and stakeholders in the delivery of services designed to address the primary socio-economic issues.

Pampanga is the last province out of the 22 provinces in NOLCOM area to be declared as peaceful with the constant decline of NPA members and their mass base support.

A total of 21 provinces were declared peaceful in the area from 2009 to 2013 with La union and Nueva Viscaya in 2009; Apayao, Aurora, Quirino, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Kalinga in 2010; Ilocos Norte and Benguet in 2011; Zambales, Abra and Bataan in 2012; Batanes, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cagayan, Ifugao, Bulacan and Mt. Province in 2013. At present a total of 43 out of 75 provinces nationwide were already normalized.

"Pampanga was the last in the 22 provinces under the area of Northern Luzon Command to be normalized. Thus, the entire NOLCOM is now ready for further development," Lt. Gen Catapang said.

Earlier this month, NOLCOM troops began workshops and contingency planning with the MMDA, NDRRMC, DSWD, PNP and other stakeholders related to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. Emergency operations center was established in NOLCOM, transportation and safety of evacuation centers were also being continually discussed and identified. In addition, all military camps under the area command have developed evacuation site inside their premises to accommodate people when disaster strikes.

"The declaration of these provinces as peaceful and ready for further development is a manifestation of the continued support of stakeholders and our people in winning the peace" Lt. Gen Catapang concluded.

Legarda Welcomes DOF’s Proposed Climate Resiliency Fund

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed the proposal of the Department of Finance (DOF) to create a climate resiliency fund, among other measures, that will be used to climate-proof the country.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that the DOF’s proposal is important in building the country’s resilience to disasters and impact of climate change.

The DOF is still working on the details of the fund, which will be used to ensure that infrastructures are built in safe areas and are structurally sound.

“The proposed climate resiliency fund is timely and relevant, especially for our nation whose economic losses from disasters have increased 18-fold since the 1970s. It is good that we have a Finance Secretary who understands his department’s crucial role in building a resilient nation,” said Legarda, UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

“It is important that we invest on safe and sound infrastructure projects because, as the 2013 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction noted, middle-income countries like the Philippines have high levels of risk because of weaker infrastructure, which affects a nation’s annual average loss to disasters,” she added.

The Senator also stressed the importance of ensuring that critical public infrastructures, especially schools and hospitals, are designed with disaster prevention and mitigation in mind and built with extra safety measures.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) recommends that all new hospitals and schools add 4% of total construction cost to be spent on disaster mitigation and extra safety measures.

Aside from the climate resiliency fund, the DOF is also looking into a guarantee fund for lending institutions and an insurance mechanism for local government units to facilitate speedy recovery and rebuilding of communities and industries affected by disasters.

“Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation must be closely linked to development, which is why the DOF’s role is vital in building a resilient economy,” said Legarda.

The DOF is among the agencies that will participate in the Technical Briefing and High Level Forum on Strengthening Disaster Risk Insurance in the Philippines, an undertaking by the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Senate Committee on Climate Change, and the UNISDR, which will be held on January 21, 2014 at the Philippine Senate.

The forum will explore on practical options for disaster risk insurance for the Philippines and promoting incentives for public and private sector investment in disaster risk reduction.