TO improve its capability in responding to effects of calamities, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) wants its manpower increased to around 1,700 or more than double its current 800 personnel.
The OCD is the implementing arm of the Camp Aguinaldo-based National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The OCD proposal to expand its manpower has been submitted to the Department of Budget and Management, OCD officer-in-charge Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said yesterday during an interview with the dzMM Teleradyo.
“We are requesting expansion and we hope it will be granted so that we can improve our service,” said Alejandro who took was named OIC a few days ago following the designation of his predecessor, Ariel Nepomuceno, as Customs commissioner.
“As of now, we have almost 800 employees all over the country. Two-thirds of that or close to 60 percent are assigned with our regional offices. At the central office, we’re about 300 to 400,”said Alejandro.
“Hopefully, we’re going to be supported by the DBM by providing us with more personnel. We’re eyeing 1,700 plus (personnel) in the future. We know it’s not going to be given one time but we are transforming,” said Alejandro.
Alejandro said the OCD’s budget for this year is about P1.5 billion, including P500 million for its quick response fund (QRF), and funds for the construction of facilities for its regional offices.
“The good thing about our budget is that our QRF is replenishable, meaning if it is depleted or 50 percent exhausted, it will be replenished by the DBM,” he said.
“We continue to provide assistance based on that concept … The OCD’s focus is to build up non-food items, tents, and others needed in the evacuation centers,” said Alejandro.
These items are prepositioned or deposited at warehouses “so that when they are needed, they can be easily withdrawn and given to those who are needing them.”
