Personnel of various national government agencies and local government units prepare family food packs at the Department of Social Welfare Development Ilocos region office in San Fernando City, La Union for augmentation to areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in the Ilocos Region on Oct. 25, 2024. The Office of Civil Defense welcomed the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey showing that the Marcos administration’s efforts to respond to the needs of calamity-affected areas received a 51 percent approval rating. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Ilocos)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) attributes the Marcos administration’s high approval rating in disaster response and management to its collaborative, whole-of-government strategy in addressing calamities.
A recent Pulse Asia survey, conducted between March 23 and 29, revealed that the administration’s efforts in managing disaster relief and recovery garnered a 51% approval rating, signaling widespread public satisfaction with the government’s response to recent calamities.
“We are grateful for the trust and recognition from the Filipino people,” said OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno. “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., our approach ensures that disaster responses are swift and seamless, prioritizing the immediate needs of affected communities.”
At the heart of this success is the Marcos administration’s directive to streamline disaster relief, with a focus on smooth coordination between government agencies and local governments. The model, described as a “conveyor belt of aid,” is designed to expedite the distribution of resources, ensuring no region is left behind in times of crisis.
Nepomuceno highlighted the active role of civil society and private sectors, which have become essential partners in the country’s disaster resilience efforts. This approach, which taps into the collective strength of the nation, was put to the test during last year’s six consecutive typhoons and the ongoing risk posed by the potential eruption of Mount Kanlaon.
The recognition, according to Nepomuceno, is also a tribute to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which consists of 46 member agencies. Under the leadership of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., these agencies have been pivotal in executing the government’s disaster response strategy.
The NDRRMC focuses on four key pillars of disaster management, each led by a specialized agency: Prevention and Mitigation (Department of Science and Technology), Preparedness (Department of the Interior and Local Government), Response (Department of Social Welfare and Development), and Recovery and Rehabilitation (Department of Economic Planning and Development).
As the council’s secretariat, the OCD plays a critical role in ensuring that coordination is fluid and that aid reaches communities promptly, alongside strategic communications that keep all stakeholders informed.
While celebrating the recognition, Nepomuceno stressed that the government remains committed to improving disaster preparedness in the face of increasing environmental challenges. He acknowledged that climate change has escalated the frequency and severity of natural disasters, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and adaptation.
“This approval is not just a pat on the back but a call to action,” Nepomuceno concluded. “We must push forward, strengthening our efforts to mitigate risks, and protect lives and livelihoods from the growing threats of climate change.”