Solon reiterates use of uniform official data template in relief efforts 

Cong. Edgar Chatto (seated 3rd, clockwise) discusses the importance of uniform data template for quick and strategic relief efforts with representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a meeting on Jan. 11, 2022. Shown in the photo are from left clockwise DSWD Asec. Rudy Encabo,Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Bohol head Jimmy Crusio, Cong. Chatto and DSWD Regional Director Rebecca Geamala. Contributed photo

First District Cong. Edgar Chatto reiterated the importance of using uniform official data template in relief efforts, according to a report from the solon’s office.

He emphasized this in his meeting with Regional Director Rebecca Geamala of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022.

Geamala and her team were with Asec. Rudy Encabo of the DSWD Central Office and Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Bohol head Jimmy Crusio.

Chatto said that response to calamities can be more efficient and effective when government and non-government aid-giving agencies are using a uniform data template as basis for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

This coordinated approach will be complemented by quick data generation by all agencies and local government units (LGU), he added.

Chatto recently pointed out incomplete Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) data, which became basis for initial aid allocated by national government, and was not reflective of the real situation on the ground.

Geamala, Encabo and their team had made the rounds of typhoon Odette-affected areas in the province and reported to Chatto that the agency is releasing assistance to island barangays in Bohol.

Chatto agreed that assistance is most needed in island barangays. Small islands are most vulnerable to disruption in supply of food, water, building materials, fuel, and other necessities.

The first district solon echoed the importance of data gathering to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bohol head Jessica Uy and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Angeli Salgados who also met with him at his office later that day.

DOLE is identifying beneficiaries for the implementation of the cash-for-work program to help typhoon victims.

Chatto’s office is consistently in coordination with national agencies in the implementation of programs in typhoon victim’s relief and rehabilitation of damaged property.

Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through Usec. Kim de Leon assured that subsequent fund releases of national government aid in 2022 will hopefully address the gaps created by the lack of data.

Chatto is also in close coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) led by Gov. Arthur Yap and Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos who are on top of the Emergency  Operations Center which dedicated data team is gathering information from LGUs to be used in a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the province.