To enhance disaster response and provide quick relief to affected communities, Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte has issued Executive Order (EO) 15 Series of 2023, establishing the Davao City Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Team.
EO 15, signed on June 8, 2023, aims to address Davao City’s vulnerability to natural and human-induced hazards, such as typhoons, floods, landslides, fires, crimes, terrorism, and bombing incidents.
RDANA Team’s creation is under the provisions of Republic Act No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The law mandates Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to institutionalize the RDANA as a crucial tool for effective disaster response.
The primary objective of the RDANA Team is to conduct immediate on-ground assessments of disaster-affected areas. This includes determining the type and extent of damages caused by the disaster, identifying secondary threats, evaluating the critical needs of the affected population, and assessing the local response capacities. Additionally, the RDANA Team will facilitate information sharing among government agencies and establish coordination among concerned stakeholders and the community at all levels before and after each disaster.
According to Section 1 of EO 15, the RDANA Team will be deployed promptly after every incident, whether natural or human-induced hazard. The team’s assessment during the onset of a disaster will serve as a vital tool for swiftly providing relief and response requirements.
The composition of the Davao City RDANA Team, as outlined in Section 2 of the EO, includes the heads or duly authorized representatives from key agencies responsible for various aspects of damage assessment and response. These agencies include the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO), City Health Office (CHO), Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator (OCPDC), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City, and Davao City Police Office (DCPO).
The new EO outlines the specific duties and functions of the RDANA Team. The overall coordinator, represented by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief or their authorized representative, organizes and deploys multiple RDANA Teams as necessary. The lead agencies for families/individuals affected, agricultural damage, infrastructure damage, poultry and livestock affected, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are assigned to assess the impacts and damages in their respective areas of responsibility.
To ensure timely reporting, the RDANA Team must submit their assessment report to the City Mayor through the CDRRMO within 24-72 hours after a disaster occurs. It will serve as the basis for evaluating the need to declare a state of calamity for a particular barangay or the entire City of Davao. Suppose the magnitude of the disaster causes considerable damage to lives and properties. In that case, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) will convene and recommend the state of calamity declaration to the City Council.
EO 15 also states that all expenses to support the activities of the Davao City RDANA Team will be funded by the Office of the City Mayor and/or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (DRRM Fund).
Implementing the EO 15 Series of 2023 is expected to strengthen Davao City’s disaster response capabilities and facilitate a more efficient and coordinated approach to assessing damages and addressing the immediate needs of affected communities. By establishing the RDANA Team, the city aims to mitigate the disasters’ impact and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
Check out the complete provisions of EO 15, Series of 2023 here ? https://dcstaging.davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2023-2/ CIO
