Stressed-out Del Rosario: NDRRMC is in Pama's 'good hands'

From Rappler (May 12): Stressed-out Del Rosario: NDRRMC is in Pama's 'good hands'

The new disaster management chief, Vice Admiral Alex Pama, recognizes the 'very, very challenging job,' but is 'looking forward to be of help'

TURNOVER: Former Navy chief Vice Admiral Alex Pama (Right) officially succeeds NDRRMC chief Eduardo Del Rosario. Rappler photo

Retired Army General Eduardo del Rosario raised his arms in celebration as he left the building of the Office of Civil Defense on Monday, May 12, following the a joint press conference with his successor as national disaster management chief, Vice Admiral Alex Pama.

Del Rosario, who resigned in April, said he badly needs to de-stress after a year of dealing with back-to-back natural and man-made calamities that hit the country – flooding in Mindanao in the first quarter; 26 cyclones, including Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan); earthquake in Bohol; and the siege in Zamboang City, among others.

"It was very stressful. I'm just imagining the possible situation this year and I felt that it's time for me to go. We made so many progress in the OCD and I feel that I have to enjoy my retirement," Del Rosario told the media.

Del Rosario had been under fire from the media over the government's poor preparation and response to Typhoon Yolanda. He denied that he resigned out of pressure and refused to discuss an earlier attempt to leave the post. (READ: NDRRMC: Too many cooks spoil the broth)

"No regrets," he added.

Challenge accepted

The new National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chief is the former Flag-Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy who made a mark for his competence, vision, and skills.

He is leaving his post as undersecretary in the office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr, particularly under the National Coast Watch Council.

"I'm a soldier. I follow the mission I am given," Pama said.

He recognized that great challenges await him. He assumed the post as the country anticipated two threats: El Niño and the start of the rainy season.

"It is indeed a very, very challenging job. It is a fact that doesn’t escape me. Suffice it to say that I'm coming into the job with eyes wide open. We anticipate the challenges for us," Pama said.

"I'm looking forward to be of help not only to the government but, more importantly, to the Filipino people," he added.

Asked for his advice to his successor, Del Rosario said: "Overcome the challenges and, of course, focus on the job. Kapag hindi ka 24/7 dito maiiwanan ka ng (If you don't focus here 24/7, you'll be left behind by the) changing situation. With Admiral Pama, I know that the OCD is in good hands," he said.

Sunset review

Aware of the limitations of the NDRRMC, Pama said he would work on the current strengths of NDRRMC and hoped to correct the gaps.

Republic Act 10121, which created the NDRRMC, is up for a "sunset review" in the first quarter of 2015. Pama said it would be an opportunity to fix problems with the law, if any. (READ: Can new disaster management chief Pama 'rescue' NDRRMC?)

"We can incorporate the lessons we learned. We will improve on the strengths we already have and look at the gaps so we can talk to the lawmakers for possible amendments," Pama said.

NDRRMC has been seen as a "failure" by stakeholders because of the limited power of the executive director and the limited budget of the agency.
 

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/57845-ndrrmc-turn-over-pama