by Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, JULY
17(PIA)--- “We may
not be totally equipped but we can assure the Dipolognons of our readiness to
respond to their needs in times of typhoons and other forms of disaster that
may hit the city.”
This
was the assurance given by Engr. Silvestre Sabando, head of the Dipolog City
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, when asked on the capability of
the local DRRMC to respond to emergency situations.
Sabando
said presently, the local DRRMC has fifteen (15) life jackets, 2 units of pump-boats,
and speed boats with backed-up support from the Special Forces based at Barangay
Galas, this city which has also two speedboats. It is also procuring additional
life jackets, generators and hard hats for its rescue operations.
However
Sabando pointed out that Dipolog City DRRMC has established communication
network with the different barangays, particularly those flood-prone barangays
to ensure the immediate deployment of personnel during emergency situations.
The
identified flood-prone barangays are Sta. Isabel, Sta. Felomina, Turno, Estaka,
Dicayas, Galas, Punta, Miputak, Mibang, and Minaog,
During
the latest episode of Tapatan Roadshow on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change
Adaptation, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo disclosed
that 80% of the more than 1,700 Local Government Units throughout the country
are ready in case typhoons and other disaster hit their communities.
He
also reported that 92% or 1,580 LGUs have already their own warning alarm
system. 78% or 1,334 LGUs have also organized its emergency response, rescue
and medical teams, while 86% or 1,473 LGUs have already put up their own evacuation
centers.
The
DILG Chief is optimistic that through the nation-wide conduct of the forum on
disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation, more LGUs will be implementing
measures that will make their communities disaster-resilient.
To
motivate the LGUs, the DILG Secretary said the Department had launched “Seal of
Disaster Preparedness” as an incentive for those LGUs who have demonstrated
exemplary performance in carrying out the government’s disaster preparedness and
climate change program.
The
award is scheduled to be given during the month of December(ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)