The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the impacts of the southwest monsoon (habagat) following the state weather bureau’s declaration of the onset of rainy season.
In a memorandum circular, the DILG urged LGUs to adopt proactive measures under the ‘Operation Listo’ protocols for hydrometeorological hazards to minimize risks to lives, property, and the local economy.
The LGUs are instructed to ensure the functionality of emergency operations centers with adequate personnel and equipment, and to activate local incident management teams trained in the incident command system.
Local governments were also tasked to identify, locate and prepare structurally sound evacuation centers with essential facilities such as sanitation, medical aid, and designated areas for vulnerable groups.
The said structures, according to the DILG order, should be regularly inspected and upgraded based on safety standards and capacity requirements.
The LGUs are also advised to revise their contingency and action plans based on local assessments of areas prone to floods, storm surges, and landslides.
“They should conduct simulation drills and community exercises to test response and evacuation procedures,” the DILG said.
The agency likewise reminded LGUs to strictly implement no-build zones in high-risk areas and to ensure that emergency services and supply chains remain operational during severe weather conditions.
Operation Listo is the DILG’s flagship disaster preparedness program that promotes a whole-of-government approach to resilient local governance.