South Cotabato has been designated as pilot site for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, said Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.
“In the entire Philippines, only two provinces were chosen as pilot sites for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The other province is Laguna,” Pingoy said.
As a pilot area, South Cotabato will be developed into a model area in responding and setting pre-emptive measures against calamities and disasters and the effects of climate change.
Pingoy said that the provincial government has already presented to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) the province’s preparations in response to calamities and disasters.
He added, the province’s primary focus is not evacuation of victims of flooding, landslides, and other calamities.
“We are more concerned with pre-emptive measures such as relocation and resettlement of residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas,” he said.
Being a pilot site, South Cotabato will receive technical assistance from government agencies involved in disaster risk reduction and management.
Last week, South Cotabato Social Welfare and Development Officer Nelida Pereira said assessment of relocation sites is ongoing.
She said they are coordinating with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR-MGB) for the conduct of geo-hazard mapping to make certain the identified relocation sites are safe.
Among the sites being considered are El Nonok in Banga, Kanahay in Surallah, and sitios Tukalabong and Palian in Tupi.
Only after the geo-hazard map has been completed will the provincial government start the process of acquiring the relocation sites, she added.
Pingoy added that because of the provincial government’s efforts to protect the environment, the Development Bank of the Philippines has presented a proposal to the provincial government for the greening of a large area.
“DBP through its ‘DBP Green Forest’ program will give a grant to the provincial government to plant trees in at least 200 hectares which will be identified by the province,” he said. [DE Doguiles/PIA 12]
