MANILA, July 13 (PIA) – In a press briefing held on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella disclosed that national disaster risk reduction and management topped the July 11 Cabinet meeting agenda.
“We had our first Cabinet meeting with VP Robredo, who was warmly welcomed,” Spokesperson Abella said.
Among the issues brought up in the meeting was the sending of security and health workers as first responders to calamity areas, Abella said. There are also plans to preposition ships in the path of the typhoon to readily respond to crisis.
The Cabinet also tackled issues on anti-drug campaign, transportation reforms, labor, business, anti-red tape, West Philippine Sea, curfew of minors, national ID system, DPWH projects, and relocation of informal settlers.
On anti-drug campaign, Spokesperson Abella said there are plans to set up regional rehabilitation centers for drug dependents. There is a proposed memorandum that will be sent too barangay captains in places where there is high drug incidence. Barangay captains may be investigated for possible neglect of tasks.
On transportation reforms, the Presidential Spokesman said Secretary Tugade is very committed and has already presented a menu of changes to ease traffic. Within the next 100 days, the public will be feeling the results, he said.
On labor, DOLE aims to reduce contractualization within six months.
DTI is committed to reduce the number of days in opening of business to three (3 days) or ideally to one (1) day. As directed by the President, all government agencies must do away with red tape and avoid people from queuing up, Secretary Abella said. (PIA)