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The World Bank has granted the city government US $ 200,000 in technical assistance to help draw up the city's disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management program.

“We have chosen the city because of the favorable response of Mayor Jerry Treñas by allocating resources and creating a team to coordinate the project,” said Cris Pablo of WB.

Pablo said the technical assistance of US $ 150,000 to US$ 200,000 would help draw up a disaster management action plan for the city following the experience of Typhoon Frank that left a trail of destruction in June last year.

“We will determine the city’s readiness in the face of disaster and how to cope on the long term. Our expert on disaster risk management will help the city build capacity, craft plans and review ordinances to make sure it’s protected during disasters. We hope to get more support later on to build disaster-mitigating facilities,” Pablo said.

Earl Kessler, WB’s expert on shelter, urban programs and disaster response and recovery, said there was a need to identify the impact and consequences of climate change such as surge in sea level, storm, extreme weather condition, and rising temperature to better prepare on how to deal with these concerns.

“We will find out how ready is the city in terms of disaster mitigation and adaptation to become proactive and not to wait before it’s too late. People should understand the issue as we have to bring in the citizenry along the leadership of the city government,” Kessler said.

He said the information base would be updated and consolidated for good planning.

Pablo said city’s disaster management program was expected to be completed by January 2010. (PNA)

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