With disasters and climate-related hazards becoming increasingly severe, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday underscored the critical role of Operation L!STO in helping local government units (LGUs) turn disaster information into concrete, life-saving action on the ground.

During the DILG Kapihan media forum, DILG Central Office Disaster Information Coordinating Center (CODIX) Program Manager Robin Lim stressed that gathering information is not enough. It must enable LGUs to anticipate risks and act before communities are placed in greater danger.

“Sa DILG-CODIX, we believe that hindi lang po importante yung makuha po namin yung information. Importante po sa amin na ang information is translated into anticipatory actions for our LGUs to prepare,” he said.

Lim said DILG-CODIX continues to strengthen the disaster response capabilities of LGUs through Operation L!STO, the Department’s flagship program that guides local governments on actions that must be undertaken before, during, and after disasters and calamities.

Through the program, LGUs and communities are provided with practical, step-by-step guidance and tools covering risk assessment, early warning, preemptive evacuation, coordination, emergency response, and other risk reduction measures.

“This is the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach ng Operation LISTO. Kahit si BFP, si PNP, and all other agencies na meron pong disaster preparedness initiatives, inaangkla po natin siya dito sa Operation LISTO program,” Lim stated.

Established in 2014, Operation L!STO has continuously evolved to address the changing risks faced by communities. Initially focused on typhoons, the program has expanded to include guidance and tools covering different hazards.

“This has evolved over time, to guide our Local Chief Executives and the general public on how to go about on the minimum preparedness that they need to undertake for disaster preparedness,” he said.

Lim also emphasized the DILG’s role as a convergence point between national government agencies and LGUs, helping ensure that disaster policies and initiatives are translated into coordinated action at the local level.

The DILG stressed that timely information becomes most valuable when it leads to early and decisive action, enabling local governments to better protect communities and save lives before disasters strike.