INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF LGU'S/ NGO'S WITH UNITED

NATIONS AND ITS SOCIETAL FUNCTION.

JORTA JIREM CLAUDE KING N.

BSIHM 2-B
 Interconnectedness of LGU's/ NGO's with United Nations
and its Societal Function.

I. Introduction

In times of emergency and calamity occurs, Local Government Units (LGUs) are
expected to be at the frontline of emergency measures in before and the aftermath of
disasters and activities concerning various societal and developmental issues to ensure
the general welfare of its constituents, according to the Local Government Code of
1991. Republic act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code was
enacted into law, transferring control and responsibility of delivering basic services to
the hands of local government units (LGU).

However, LGUs still need the support of NGOs in catering to the needs and preferences
of communities because of the latter's proximity, commitment, flexibility and
responsiveness to the people. NGOs, on the other hand, can benefit from LGUs broad
political mandate and resources to carry out its programs.

The relationship of the local government units (LGUs) with NGOs is also well-specified
in the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991. Section 34 of the Code states that the
LGUs are mandated to promote the establishment and operation of people’s and non-
government organizations.

II. Content

Philippine Red Cross

Functions and Roles

 Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in
the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life
and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations. At present, the
Philippine Red Cross provides six major services: Blood Services, Disaster
Management Services, Safety Services, Health Services, Social Services, Red
Cross Youth and Volunteer Services. All of them embody the fundamental
 principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement –
humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and
universality. These values guide and inspire all Red Cross staff and volunteers,
to whom being a Red Crosser is more than just a philosophy but a way of life.

Relation to United Nation

 Philippine Red Cross was admitted to the IFRC in 1948. In 2018, it counted
239,451 active volunteers, of which 44% were male and 56% female. The IFRC
is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 192 National
Societies.

Problems faced and encountered by the unit

 January 14, 2020 when the Taal volcano in the Philippines has started spewing
magma and hot ash – after 40 years of dormancy – forcing tens of thousands of
people in the Batangas province to flee.
 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines. On March 12, President Duterte
declared "Code Red Sub-Level 2," issuing a partial lockdown on Metro Manila to
prevent a nationwide spread of COVID-19. The lockdowns were expanded on
March 16, placing the entirety of Luzon under an "enhanced community
quarantine" or a total lockdown. Other local governments outside Luzon followed
in implementing similar lockdowns. On March 17, President Duterte issued
Proclamation No. 929, declaring the Philippines under a state of calamity for a
tentative period of six months.
 Dengue outbreak that happened last year (September 17, 2019). That is the
worst dengue outbreak in Philippines that kills over a thousand. Outbreak
reported across Southeast Asia but the Philippines has the highest number of
cases and confirmed deaths. the Philippines has been grappling to stem its worst
dengue outbreak since 2012. According to the Department of Health, a total of
 271,480 dengue cases were reported from January to August 31 of this year,
prompting the declaration of a national dengue epidemic. In 2012, 187,031 cases
of dengue were recorded. As of August 31 2019, an estimated 1,107 people
have died of dengue in the Philippines, almost half were children between five
and nine years of age.

Solutions provided by the unit

 The Philippine Red Cross is on the scene helping those affected. The Philippine
Red Cross has opened numerous evacuation centers to support the more than
24,000 who have already evacuated and deployed thousands of disaster workers
including a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment team. A humanitarian
response caravan of rescue and relief vehicles including ambulances, rescue
vehicles, a water tanker, fire truck, command post and other vehicles are also
deployed. The Red Cross is providing services and emergency items to people in
temporary shelters. Assessment teams are also on the ground.
 The Philippine Red Cross put up its first emergency medical tent within the
National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) compound to temporarily house
patients with underlying conditions so they get test and treated right away. This
move is to help overstrained hospitals accommodate people who are sick and
possibly sick, with the virus. The Philippine Red Cross is a key partner of the
government in the distribution of goods and services to prevent and respond to
the effects of the pandemic. Through Red Cross chapters in Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. 1,137 liters of disinfectant solution had been donated to the Bulacan
Red Cross Chapter, which it will then distribute to hospitals, barangay tanods,
and other community frontliners. The Davao de Oro Red Cross chapter provided
tents to serve as 14-day quarantine facilities for some passengers traveling from
other parts of the Philippines, with Compostela Red Cross Chapter providing
beds and water, ensuring respect for human dignity in humanitarian aid. The
PRC headquarters in Mandaluyong, also set up a 24/7-hour Red Cross hotline
(1158) to address questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms and precautions,
with volunteer doctors advising whether hospitalization may be required.
  The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) shows no letup in addressing the dengue crisis
as it deployed more medical tents and blood products to support communities
with a high number of dengue cases. Red cross also came up with a three-point
strategy to address the dengue epidemic—deploy medical tents, maintain the
adequacy of blood supply, and mobilize 143 volunteers to conduct cleanup
efforts. PRC maximizes its network of community volunteers through Red Cross
143 and Red Cross Youth programs to track down dengue and conduct clean-up
efforts within a 400-meter radius where they are. They also set up more medical
tents, augment the blood supply in most affected provinces, and put our
ambulances on standby.

III. Conclusion

The Philippines has a high vulnerability to natural hazards and tragedies. Luckily we have
these kind of organizations to help us in times of emergency. The Philippine Government,
International Non-government Organizations (INGOs) and local NGOs are all making attempts
to address the impact of disasters and calamity at various levels. They provide service where
needed and especially for people who are below the poverty line. These organizations made us
realize that there is hope in facing such societal problems.

IV. Recommendations

Make seminars in school about their objectives and goals to influence more youth to be
open minded about such programs.

Broaden the development and include not just economic progress for citizens, but also
promotion of social justice, gender equity, inclusion, citizen’s awareness, empowerment
and improved quality of life

Require collaborative engagement of civil society on their various developmental

activities and programs.
Serve the real interest of the society.

Focused on offering counseling and training services for less advantaged people and
unemployed in order to obtain professional integration.

Work according to the donors agenda.

Be open to criticism.

Manage well and take a good care of their volunteers. Plan out a systematic approach to make
them deliver the best in the interest of the organization.