In his presentation during the joint RDC-RPOC 2 meeting held on June 23, 2015 in Cauayan City, Social Development Committee (SDC) Co-Chair Elpidio B. Atal Jr. said that this proposal aims to strengthen the participation of the youth in DRRM efforts, both locally and nationally.

Emanating from the National Youth Commission, which sits as a member of the SDC in Region 2, the proposal will serve as a way to promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being of the Filipino youth.

He added that having them participate in planning and decision-making processes in the local DRRM councils will inculcate in the youth the concepts of patriotism and nationalism.

“It will also encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs,” said Dir. Atal, who is also the Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment RO2.

Dir. Atal further said that Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, does not limit the composition of the local DRRM councils and it is the prerogative of the LCEs to select its members.

The SDC Co-Chair further mentioned some of the responsibilities of the youth representative in the DRRM Council, which include leading in the preparation of a local youth DRRM plan, participating in the budget process of the local DRMM Office, and proposing disaster-related policies, programs, and projects that will benefit the youth.

The approved joint resolution will be forwarded to the LCEs in Region 2 for their consideration of the proposal.#