Project with LGU’s Development Handbook
Batangas State University in coordination with other Local Government Units create a Manual named Operation L!STO which is one of the flagship programs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), initiated by the Local Government Academy (LGA), in alleviating the loss of lives and assets of Filipinos during disasters. This national advocacy program on disaster preparedness guides the Local Government Units (LGUs) and DILG personnel on actions they need to undertake before, during, and after a disaster. The program has been an essential mechanism for interoperability among interior and local government as well as with various sectors. Through the years, the said manual has been improved to better guide the Local Chief Executives and Sanggunian Members on how to prepare for disasters. The manual however is primarily predilected on disasters brought about by weather disturbances such as typhoons and monsoon rains.
The recent eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas caught both the local and national government off-guard despite the presence of contingency plans in the case of the Province of Batangas and other affected LGUs. Preparedness and response measures for typhoons can be seen to wrap up in a few days, but in volcanic eruptions, it can be long and grueling. The hazards and risks in a volcanic eruption is also very much different from that of a typhoon. While there are good practices of some LGUs on measures for disaster preparedness, mitigation and response for volcanic eruption, the approach for Taal Volcano will be unique considering its terrain, topography, and even the culture of the people living near the area. In line with this, the Operation L! STO Manual for Taal Volcanic Eruption is developed based on the invaluable lessons learned from the experience of both local and national stakeholders.