THE deaths and destruction left by Tropical Storm Enteng in some regions in Luzon and the Visayas have prompted a sectoral body to call for stronger collaboration in enhancing plans of action for disaster preparedness. In a statement on Tuesday, the Victims of Disasters and Calamities Sectoral Council (VDCSC) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) called on national government agencies and local units, as well as civil society organizations (CSOs) to closely work together in improving community-based disaster risk response and mitigation programs. Mainly, the VDCSC suggests that close partnerships in matters of disaster preparedness should be established between concerned government line agencies and CSOs to improve local communities' preparedness and disaster-mitigation interventions. Particularly, the VDCSC sees the need for close collaboration among the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other member agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in strengthening CSO engagement in community-based disaster risk response. Storm Enteng, according to the NAPC-VDCSC, hit hard communities in Luzon and the Visayas, especially low-lying urban areas, danger zones, and coastal regions. "VDCSC member organizations and other non-state actors have been providing micro-grants for livelihood recovery to the most vulnerable groups, but we know it's not enough," sectoral representative Regina Salvador-Antequisa said. Also, she said that the government must ensure "effective and targeted programming" in complementing other initiatives on the ground. According to the council, the effects of Storm Enteng "further exacerbated the poverty situation in many regions," with farmers, fisher folk and daily wage earners being affected the most. "While food remains the top priority, the common concern for many is how to recover their damaged livelihoods. For those who have lost almost everything, including shelter and household possessions, the main concern is how to start over," Antequisa said. Moreover, the council said those affected by Enteng face "significant challenges," citing possible interventions the storm-hit sectors need. "Access to financing and agricultural inputs is expected to be a major hurdle, further complicating recovery efforts. Fisher folk who rely on fishing as an alternative livelihood are struggling, as many need replacements for damaged fishnets and other fishing gear," the VDCSC's statement stated. Antequisa, meanwhile, emphasized that the focus should be on how the affected sectors will be able to recover. "The immediate focus of those affected is on how to recover their livelihoods as soon as possible. This reflects the daily reliance of many on farming, fishing, and wage-earning activities for their income. Their dependence on loans and financing for capital has only worsened due to the disaster," she said. "Through the convergence of [disaster risk reduction management] strategies and poverty reduction efforts, the NAPC Basic Sectoral Councils, together with local CSOs, expect to make a difference," Antequisa added. NDRRMC's 8 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday showed that 10 people have died and 10 others were injured as the storm barreled through Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
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