Landmark bill on youth in DRRM pushed

TACLOBAN CITY, April 16 (PNA) –- Leyte’s ordinance mandating the youth’s participation and representation in disaster risk reduction and management is hope to be fully passed this year, according to Leyte Vice-Governor Carlo P. Loreto.

This as Youth Participation Ordinance of 2015 is slated for a third and final reading at the provincial board. The youth sector is a dynamic human resource that, when enhanced and properly utilized, could serve as a dynamic force necessary to bring into fruition any developmental goals, Loreto said.

The ordinance recognizes that while the youth are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors in times of calamities, they are also potential and necessary partners in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

“When a community lacks the active involvement of the youth at the local levels, addressing the problem during times of disasters will be uncoordinated, especially in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters,” Loreto said,

He added that the legislation would also ensure that there is proper youth representation and mainstreaming of youth participation in disaster risk reduction and management, including climate change adaptation in the province of Leyte.

Leyte LGUs would also then be expected to engage the youth sector as a legitimate member of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) in their community.

The youth group will represent the civil society organization in the LDRRMC to help the LGUs in disaster preparedness and other post-disaster activities including counseling of victims of tragedies.

If it fully passes through into law, it will be a landmark legislation for the province, Loreto added. (PNA)
PGL/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR